This is the time of year we celebrate our graduates, the thousands of students who have completed their college degrees at all levels. I like to refer to commencement day as the special occasion that holds us to our core purpose for the entire year.
Many of you have written on social media about the palpable excitement in the air at the ceremonies. The light in the eyes of the graduates is something all academics cherish. Here are some of my favorite online quotes from LinkedIn:
“You did it. Last week, we celebrated your achievement and your promise. The day was about your effort, commitment, voice, and growth.” (Lori J. Carell, Chancellor at University of Minnesota Rochester.)
“Put simply: We love commencements! The hugs, the smiles, and the stories from these striving students from all walks of life bring home our commitment to being difference makers educating difference makers.” (Mark David Milliron, President, National University)
The Community College of Aurora comments included, “Each graduate is a story of determination. A story of perseverance. A story of possibility.”
One person posted that it had been five years since she defended her dissertation at UCLA. The University of Oklahoma posted pictures of their favorite graduation caps, and they were very colorful! Phi Theta Kappa and Student Veterans of America celebrated their respective student groups for achievements. Other institutions posted about their upcoming commencement ceremonies, with one noting it was time to sprint to the finish line.
I could go on and on, but the message is clear. This is a great time of the academic year, focusing on student success. Frankly, it makes all the hard work you do worth it! Congratulations from all of us at the Higher Learning Commission!