Hobart and William Smith Colleges

A year after graduating, the Classes of 2020 return to campus to celebrate their Commencement in person. Here, Pierre Thibodeau '20, Katie Taylor '20, Reed Tansill '20, Bayley Tranmer '20, Duniya Syed '20 and Whitney Swanson '20 put on their regalia on Cozzens Field.

The 2020 graduates are ushered to the Quad by the Mohawk Valley Frasers bagpipe ensemble.

The Classes of 2020 process across Pulteney Street.

Classmates celebrate while processing to the Quad.

Hobart and William Smith faculty are applauded while processing to their seats on Sunday.

The procession includes Chaplain Nita Byrd, honorary degree recipients Margaret “Peggy” Bokan Greenawalt ’66, L.H.D. ’20 and G. Peter Jemison L.H.D. ’20, Board Chair Craig R. Stine ’81, P’17, President Joyce P. Jacobsen and commencement speaker the Most. Rev. Michael B. Curry ’75, D.D.’20.

An aerial view of the ceremony honoring the Classes of 2020.

President Joyce P. Jacobsen offers her valedictory address that included a meditation on the “weird”-ness of the past year for the graduates, who left HWS for “a world that was locked down and socially distanced, that was gripped by social and political unrest, that was obsessed with rules and rule-following and rule-not-following.”

President Joyce P. Jacobsen welcomes the more than 300 graduates and their families who returned to campus to celebrate a much overdue commencement.

In his address, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry ’75, D.D.’20 compares the Classes of 2020 to the Greatest Generation: “You have been formed and forged in a crucible of hardship.”

“The Lord didn’t put us here just to consume oxygen,” says the Most. Rev. Michael B. Curry ’75, D.D.’20, the Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church.

Djeneba Ballo '20 initiates a standing ovation following the address of the Most. Rev. Michael B. Curry ’75, D.D.’20.

Student speakers Gianna Gonzalez ’20 and Gavin Flood ’20 reflect on their fond memories as students and the personal and intellectual growth they found at HWS.

Tai-Ling Bey '20 celebrates after walking across the stage.

Alex Cottrell '20 poses for a photo after crossing the stage.

Josh Walker '20, his family, and Mahdia Ahmed '21 gather for a photo following the ceremony.

Giulia Acchione ’20 and her family celebrate on the Quad.

Students toss mortarboards into the air following Commencement 2020.