Quinnipiac University’s commencement ceremonies for Class of 2020

HAMDEN, CT - Approximately 1,300 members of the Class of 2020 returned to Quinnipiac University on Saturday to take part in in-person commencement exercises outdoors on the quadrangle. The commencement celebration comes a year after the graduates completed their Quinnipiac education, and nine months after the university hosted a virtual commencement celebration.

In the first ceremony of the day, graduates of the Schools of Business and Engineering were lauded for their grit and resiliency.

“What a treat to finally be able to share this celebration with all of you — in person and on the Quad,” Matthew O’Connor, dean of the School of Business, told the graduates. “I’m so happy that we are here today with you, and your friends and family, as well as the faculty and staff who worked with you while you were in your programs. This is just great.”

O’Connor praised graduates for their tireless efforts and work to overcome unprecedented obstacles.

“I’m sure it felt unfair,” he said. “Who could have blamed you if just threw in the towel and succumbed to feelings of loss and unfairness? But here’s the amazing thing: You didn’t do that. You forged ahead. You adjusted to online learning. You started jobs virtually. When job offers were canceled, you went out and secured new offers. Others took the opportunity to jump start graduate school. Many of you volunteered to help the less fortunate — everything from shopping for friends and neighbors in quarantine, to virtual visits with nursing home residents.”
O’Connor told the graduates that they exceeded even his most wild expectations of them.

“You did what every parent and every person in education hoped you would do — you accepted the reality of the situation, shouldered your responsibilities, and moved forward with dignity and a sense of purpose,” he concluded. “You were going to make it through the pandemic, no matter what.”

School of Engineering Dean Justin Kile praised the graduates for rising to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We shouldn't overlook how you overcame those obstacles,” he said. “The majority of the credit goes to you for how you overcame these tough situations. You’ve worked hard and accomplished great things.”

In the second ceremony, graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Communications, School of Education and School of Law were celebrated for their tireless commitment to bettering the world and were encouraged to look to the future with optimism.
“When I look back at your years at Quinnipiac, I give huge credit to each of you for your consideration of the whole community throughout your time here, and especially during your final semester,” President Judy Olian told the graduates. “You are living proof of the old adage, ‘Actions speak louder than words.’ You show deep care and consideration for your fellow classmates, members of our university community, and the local and global communities you engage with.”

Among the many examples she cited was taking action for social justice while advancing important work around inclusive excellence; developing PR campaigns for local institutions to expand their impact; hosting virtual diaper drives; teaching STEM courses; working in pro-bono clinics; fighting human trafficking; dedicating thousands of hours of community service time; and raising millions of dollars to benefit important causes.

“This is such an exciting time, and you are now part of this accelerating wave of innovation and socially impactful change,” Olian said. “Thank you for the impact you are already having and will have. You are making us proud, already.”

In the day’s final ceremony, graduates of the School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing were celebrated as the future leaders who will shape health care and the health sciences.

“You have entered professions that put you in positions of trust, and because of that, you hold a great deal of power,” School of Health Sciences Dean Janelle Chiasera told the graduates. “With that power comes a great responsibility. A responsibility to live up to the trust that has been placed in you.”

She urged the graduates to remain humble and remember from where they came.

“Show gratitude to those around you. You would not be without the love and support of your family and friends; they sacrificed much to make this dream for you a reality,” Chiasera said. “Possess integrity in the way you live your life and practice your craft. Take care of yourself. Work-life balance is important because you cannot serve others if you do not take care of yourself.”

Members of the Class of 2020 were urged to reflect on their years at Quinnipiac, and to take what they learned and experienced, and allow that to help prepare them for a new life and new career.

“Lean into this moment,” she implored. “Lean into the opportunities that lie ahead of you. Take your knowledge and share it with others in positive ways You are blessed, and I hope you never forget it.”