Meredith Class of 2021 Celebrates Commencement

Meredith College celebrated the Class of 2021 in four ceremonies held May 15-16. Each event was held in the courtyard behind Johnson Hall.

The Class of 2021’s ability to face challenges with strength was celebrated during the Commencement exercises. 

Class President Lindsey Lewis, ’21, acknowledged in her speech to the class the difficulties of finishing college during a pandemic.

“In any normal year, graduating is a huge accomplishment, but anyone who has lived through the pandemic knows the unique challenges we have faced,” Lewis said. “Earning our degree has taken a huge amount of commitment, determination, and a consistent work ethic. Watching everyone persevere through these adversities has encouraged me to keep going.”

Lewis said the achievements of her class prove their strength.

“This has set us up to go into the world achieving dreams, breaking barriers, and accomplishing anything we set out to achieve. Class of 2021, we are entering the world stronger than ever.”

In addition to Lewis, President Jo Allen, ’80, and Chaplain Stacy Pardue spoke at each event. Provost Matthew Poslusny announced graduate names as he does every year, and led the traditional turning of tassels and Meredith class rings.

There were 438 members of Meredith’s Class of 2021, including 365 undergraduates and 73 graduate students. Students who were completing their degrees in December 2020, May 2021, and August 2021 were eligible to participate in Commencement ceremonies. 

Meredith College held a total of 11 ceremonies over three weekends in May to celebrate Commencement for the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 and hooding ceremonies for graduate programs. COVID-19 safety protocols were in place during all of the events.

What’s Next?
Three recent graduates have received Fulbright grants to conduct research and teach English in Spain, the Netherlands, and South Korea. Graduates have been accepted into graduate and professional programs at a range of schools including NYU Tandon School of Engineering, East Carolina University, NC State University, Campbell Law School, UNC-Chapel Hill, Meredith College, Virginia Commonwealth University, The New School, and George Washington University School of Nursing. Others have accepted professional positions at top firms and organizations including Rathell Designs, VisionPoint Marketing, MetLife, Raleigh Parks and Recreation, Henderson Collegiate, VeraSci, First Citizens Bank, Saga AmeriCorps, and the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Unit.

Learn more at meredith.edu/commencement.