Meredith College Holds Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2020

Meredith College welcomed the Class of 2020 back to campus for in-person Commencement exercises one year after they completed their degrees. 

Three ceremonies were held for the Class of 2020 on May 1-2, 2021, in the courtyard behind Johnson Hall. Watch the archived live stream at YouTube.com/MeredithCollegeLive

President Jo Allen, ’80, and Chaplain Stacy Pardue spoke at each event. 

Class President Alli Barrow, ’20, spoke on behalf of the graduates. Tying her remarks to Meredith’s “Going Strong” brand, Barrow said the experience of finishing their degrees and starting their careers during a pandemic had made the class “Strong AND…”.

Barrow said her class has gained a different outlook and a stronger sense of themselves.

“Although the events of the last year have been far from what we all expected and hoped for, there has been a silver lining,” Barrow said. “As you have since embarked on what life had next for you … your strength, flexibility, adaptability, and resilience have set you apart. It has made you a better employee, student, friend, person.” 

Following the class president’s address, Provost Matthew Poslusny announced each participating graduate’s name, giving each person a moment in the spotlight.

The ceremonies were followed by a Class Day activity in McIver Amphitheater.

Meredith planned three weekends of Commencement events this month. Hooding ceremonies for graduate programs were held on Saturday, May 8, followed by four Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2021 on May 15 and 16. Learn more at meredith.edu/commencement.