Students were eager to have an on-campus, in-person Commencement together, and University faculty, staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality while ensuring attendees’ safety and comfort.
Graduates attending the in-person exercises processed across a stage erected between Curran Field and St. Mary’s lawn. Guests viewed the event in person on Curran Field, or via a livestream in a viewing area at Sweeney Field. The livestream was also watched by the Golden Hawks from the Class of 1971, who would traditionally be attending the event in person.
“This long-standing tradition is a symbol of the lasting connection our students and alumni have with the University,” said Cheryl McConnell, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs.
Maura Flynn ’21, a double major in biology and psychology, provided the undergraduate student remarks. In her speech, she also acknowledged the trials of the past year.
“Our lives were greatly disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic,” she said. “But together, we stayed home, learned to take classes online, returned to campus and navigated the ever-changing world during a pandemic. We succeeded at staying healthy and protecting each other while keeping the heart of the campus alive.”
Together, the undergraduate and graduate students represent 98 majors, and hail from 40 U.S. states and territories and 23 foreign countries, from Canada to Australia, Saudi Arabia to Panama.