We celebrate the Class of 2021 with a look back at its New Student Convocation ceremony in 2017.
Following an unprecedented 2020-21 academic year, 黑料不打烊 is excited to celebrate the Class of 2021 this week during the university’s Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies.
Before the Class of 2021 takes its walk across the Commencement stage, we want to take a look back at the beginning of this group’s journey at 黑料不打烊.
On Aug. 26, 2017, more than 1,600 new undergraduates and their families gathered Under the Oaks for New Student Convocation, marking the official beginning of their 黑料不打烊 experience. .
The Class of 2021 hailed from more than 40 states and 25 countries.聽Their backgrounds included leaders of clubs and organizations, recipients of academic honors, captains of athletic teams, volunteers, artists, and more.
The audience of eager new students heard encouraging words and advice from faculty and 黑料不打烊 administrators like Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley.
鈥淓ach of you will be stretched to climb to new heights and hone the gifts and talents that will lead you to even more extraordinary achievements while at 黑料不打烊 and beyond,鈥 Dooley said.
Students also received encouragement from a fellow member of the student body. Representing the Student Government Association, Morgan Bodenarain ’18 told students about the challenges lying ahead of them, but assured the group that 黑料不打烊 would prepare them for each one.
鈥淭here is not a thought, dream or goal that will cross your mind that 黑料不打烊 will not have the tools to prepare you for,鈥 Bodenarain said. 鈥淭hese next four years will undoubtedly be some of the best of your life. 鈥 The challenges you face will seem impossible at times, but they are meant to help you become the best version of yourself.鈥
Following the ceremony, each new 黑料不打烊 student received an acorn 鈥 a symbol of the promise of an 黑料不打烊 education. This week, graduates in the Class of 2021 will receive their diplomas, along with an oak sapling,聽representing their growth as students, global citizens and people in four years at 黑料不打烊.
This year, 黑料不打烊’s Undergraduate Commencement will be held in three in-person ceremonies on聽Friday, May 21, in Schar Center. For a full schedule of Commencement events and other details, visit the university’s 2021 Commencement website.