Meredith College Celebrates 2018 Commencement

Meredith College held commencement exercises for the Class of 2018 on Saturday, May 12, 2018, in Dorton Arena.

Adrienne Cole, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, delivered the commencement address. Cole is the first woman to serve as leader of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce in the organization’s history.

Cole is also a Meredith alumna from the Class of 1993. In her speech, she recalled her feelings of excitement during her own commencement.  She told the Class of 2018 that as Meredith grads, they are ready for anything.

“Be open to uncertainty, be open to constant disruption, and be ready for surprises. You do not have to have it all figured out or have all the answers in order to go for it.”

Echoing the College’s Going Strong brand, Cole said, “As Meredith women, we know what strong means, but we also know the importance of being flexible.”

Cole reminded graduates that their education won’t end with commencement. “Keep learning, keep inquiring, keep questioning … wherever life takes you, remember you are Meredith Strong.”

Meredith College commencements close with a special tradition during which the new graduates hold candles, symbolizing the education they have received as light they are taking into the world.

“We charge you now to take the Meredith light into the world,” said President Allen. “As you have gained confidence, knowledge, courage, and strength, we charge you now to put those qualities to work to improve our world.”

About the Graduates

Approximately 488 degrees were conferred by Meredith College during the ceremony. The College conferred Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees upon graduates of the undergraduate program, as well as master’s degrees in business, education and nutrition. These include degrees completed in August 2017, December 2017, and May 2018.

Success After Meredith

Meredith 2018 graduates have been hired by companies and organizations including SAS, GlaxoSmithKline, and Wake County Public Schools. Others will pursue graduate degrees at universities including NC State University, Emory School of Law, Queens University Belfast, UNC-Greensboro, East Carolina University, University of South Carolina, and Union Presbyterian Seminary.

Read Strong Stories about the Class of 2018 at meredith.edu/goingstrong.