Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2021
“What a day! It’s time to celebrate.”
President Susanna Baxter captured the emotion of Saturday’s Commencement as family and friends gathered at Callaway Stadium to watch more than 370 graduates walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, representing both the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021.
Perseverance, hope and encouragement were the themes of every speaker.
“I can see you all as 80-years-old and telling your grandchildren about your senior year in college,” Baxter said. “Your story will be about a pandemic, the adaptations you were confronted with and the resiliency, grit and determination you exhibited to overcome and persist.”
She cautioned those tales may elicit eyerolls from the younger generation.
“Only you will know you really aren’t exaggerating,” she said. “It was that bad, that different, that depressing. But what each one of you has faced and triumphed over is worthy of repetition.”
Grace Neal ’20 and Lincoln Anderson ’21 presented the senior gift to Baxter. The “Pay It Forward Campaign” raised $2,547.96 for the LaGrange College Fund.
Coral Douglas ’20 and Trevor McLemore ’21, winners of the Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership Award, addressed their classmates. This is the most prestigious annual honor given to a student by the college, and is based on excellence in scholarship, service and leadership.
Douglas urged students not to be discouraged as they start their adult lives.
“Life is, and always will be, hard,” she said. “But take all you’ve learned at LaGrange and use those lessons to find your way.”
Trevor remarked on the joy he felt that everyone could gather for an in-person Commencement.
“We made it,” he said. “We’ve made huge accomplishments during one of the hardest years the world has ever known. Take a minute to reflect on your journey here at LaGrange — think about the people you’ve met and the relationships you’ve made. Those will stay with you the rest of your life.”
The Distinguished Service Alumni Award was presented to Laura Dean ’00.
As a member of the medical profession, she paid tribute to the pandemic’s front-line workers.
“There is not one soul here who has not been impacted by this virus,” she said. “The struggle we all have faced is very real.”
However, by working together, everyone has gotten stronger.
“Unity is powerful,” she said. “Take from this place the courage, kindness and love you’ve experienced as you have navigated this unprecedented time together. And remember the sense of unity that has brought us all to this place.”
Honorary doctorates were presented to civic leader Dr. Robert Tucker and businessman Jerry Wilkinson.
Tucker paid tribute to the college and its students for the impact they have had on his community and on the city. He also stressed the importance of education.
“Education is the great equalizer,” he said. “It is the foundation of everything. Now, go and make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Wilkinson echoed Tucker’s words.
“I am a firm believer in education,” he said. “It is the key that unlocks opportunity.”
He said he is proud of the balance of service and academics that exemplify a LaGrange College education.
The crowd was surprised with a video message from U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock.
“A bright future awaits you, the graduates of LaGrange College,” he said. “All of your hard work has paid off.”
He paid special recognition to first-generation graduates.
“You have all accomplished so much,” he said. “I know your families are beside themselves with pride.”
Warnock urged them all to keep a heart of passion for whatever they choose to do in their lives.
“I can’t wait to see what you all become,” he said.
In her address to the graduates, Baxter said their time at LaGrange College has prepared them to meet life’s challenges.
“The chapters of your life will contain content that is easy, painful, exhilarating, disappointing, joy-filled and professionally rewarding,” she said. “You have an obligation to engage the world in which you live, to be civically minded, to challenge what you hear and read and to live lives of integrity and moral courage.
“Your LaGrange College education has prepared you for your next step and far beyond,” she said. “Your adventure awaits.”
Category: Events, Service, College, Academics, Students, Faculty
Keywords: Commencement graduates graduation 2020 2021
