Class of 2020 Honored During In-Person Commencement Ceremony
The Class of 2020 listens to speakers during their Commencement. (Photo Credit Maggie Galloway/ The Gettysburgian)
By Gracie Meisner, Contributing Writer
On Sunday, September 26 at 11 a.m., graduates of Gettysburg’s class of 2020 lined Memorial Field for their long-awaited in-person Commencement, which was postponed due to the onset of COVID-19.
Graduates processed through Pennsylvania Hall, upholding the college’s tradition of students passing through the building in their first year at Opening Convocation and again during Commencement.
College Marshal and History Professor Michael J. Birkner ’72 led the Processional, which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Hannah Kolarik ’20 and the posting of the class flag by Valedictorian Emma E. Gruner ’20.
Rev. Stephen R. Herr ’89 offered a land acknowledgment and presented the Invocation. President Bob Iuliano followed by giving the opening address, reflecting on the many ways members of the class of 2020 grew in their time at Gettysburg.
“The story you have written here is timeless… This is where you came to see the world through a more sophisticated, nuanced, and critical eye. This is where you learned more about who you are, who you want to be, and the future you want for yourself… History will remember you as you are – a group of determined people showing us how to live in service to something bigger than ourselves. You did great work, and you did it for one another,” said Iuliano.
Callie Michele Fucarino ’20 then delivered the Senior Address, calling graduates to take stock of their journey and posing the question of what lessons they will carry forward from Gettysburg.
“Turn the page, but take with you all that you learned from the past chapter,” said Fucarino. “We’ve learned so much here… Go out and take with you the knowledge and confidence that you can create a home anywhere. This skill is transferable. We can take it and use it in the next parts of our lives. We now know what we need to make a meaningful connection with a group of people, how to build a community, and how to stay connected to that community, even after moving on.”
Chair of Board of Trustees David Brennan ’75 presented the Gettysburg College Medal to Lauren W. Bright ’90 to honor her commitment to using legal expertise to create transformative change in education and for charities. The award honors a Gettysburg graduate who exemplifies the transformative power of a liberal arts education.
Bright then gave the Commencement Address, offering words of advice for the class of 2020 to put thought into their actions every day.
“Be kind to yourself and others; be wise in your choices and aware that what you do matters – every day, every action; be bold in your belief that you can, but open to life’s unexpected gifts; be confident that you are enough but wary of assumptions and judgment,” said Bright.
President of the Alumni Board of Directors Brian Orsinger ’01 welcomed members of the class of 2020 into the Alumni Association. President Iuliano then delivered his charge to graduates.
“My charge to you is simply this: Live greatly. Live a life worthy of reading– one of kindness, compassion, and understanding. Learn from everyone, especially those who see from a vantage point distinct from your own. Embrace the uphill climb, the harder path, even the strains and stumbles. It is how we keep growing. It’s how we get from here to where we are intended to be,” said Iuliano.
Hannah Kolarik ’20 sang the Alma Mater, and Herr concluded the ceremony with the Benediction.
