The Class of 2020 officially graduated from Haverford two years ago, virtually, after their final semester on campus was disrupted by a global pandemic. But roughly 250 of them returned to campus last weekend for an emotional and long-awaited in-person, multi-day “Senior Week” and Commencement ceremony that offered the opportunity for closure, celebration, and hugs from their friends, family, and mentors.
“Today, may you feel the huge hug of this very gathering, the embrace we hold you in as you fly into the world on wings crafted here,” said President Wendy Raymond in her remarks to the class. “I feel the joy you have built and are building, the resolve you apply to the pernicious challenges of the world, and the reconnecting that will support you indelibly.”
Other speakers at the ceremony, held in the Field House, included Dean Theresa Tensuan ’89, Associate Professor of English Lindsay Reckson, and Alumni Association Executive Committee Member Scott Burau ’02, who formally welcomed the graduates into the alumni community (and told everyone to look him up if they were ever in Key West).
Raymond, Tensuan, and Reckson all noted in their speeches how much they missed the Class of 2020 and how that longing was compounded by their time on campus being abruptly cut short. But they also spoke of resilience and hope for the future and how well prepared this group of committed, resourceful Fords is to lead us all forward.
“Class of 2020, you who graduated in the crucible of our collective reckoning, I think maybe you know more than most the urgency of this,” said Reckson in her speech. “I hope you will deal with power. And I hope you will make love powerful. I hope you will empower the people you love to bloom in their own place and time. And I hope you’ll be there next to them, also blooming.”
Getting ready for Commencement 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Getting ready for Commencement 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Gathering in Zubrow Commons before Commencement 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Gathering in Zubrow Commons before Commencement 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Gathering in Zubrow Commons before Commencement 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
The processional. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Joe Spir Rechani '20 in the processional. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Processing from the KINSC to the Field House for the ceremony. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
The processional. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
The processional enters the Field House. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
The processional. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
The Class of 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
The Class of 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Getting your diploma from the president. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Getting your diploma from the president. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Getting your diploma from the president. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Caps in the air! Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
The processional. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Dean Theresa Tensuan addresses the Class of 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Associate Professor of English Lindsay Reckson addresses the Class of 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
The view of the stage. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Lindsay Reckson addresses the class. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Scott Burau '02 addresses the graduates. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
President Wendy Raymond. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Getting your diploma from the president. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Getting your diploma from the president. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Two members of the Class of 2020 enjoying the ceremony. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Caroline Tien '20 and Lev Greenstein '20 walk in the processional into the Field House. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
Theresa Tensuan, President Raymond, and Jesse Lytle greet the grads! Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
President Raymond and eight members of the Class of 2020. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
A graduate with her family. Photo by Holden Blanco '17.
