We won’t let this pandemic define your time at 51.
BRIDGEWATER – Nearly 2,400 graduate and undergraduate students at 51 completed their academic programs over the course of the 2019-2020 academic year and are being recognized for their accomplishments by the university until they are able to attend their own commencement.
51’s 179th Commencement Convocation for undergraduates and 12th Graduate Commencement Convocation, scheduled for May 16 and May 14 respectively, were postponed by the university in March when the COVID-19 pandemic exploded nationally and regionally.
At that time, President Frederick W. Clark Jr. pledged to the campus community to hold the ceremonies and reiterated that promise to the 2020 graduates in a video message taped on the university’s historic quadrangle with the Class of 2020, university and college banners flowing from the columns of Boyden Hall in the background.
“We won’t let this pandemic define your time at 51. Your time on campus was defined by your wonderful professors … the countless friends you have met … and by how you have grown during your time at Bridgewater,” President Clark said. “Most importantly, I hope you have discovered something about your passion and purpose in life.”
The commencement planning team at 51 has been developing alternative plans for how and when 51 will honor its 2020 graduates that included feedback from seniors received through 51’s social media channels during the spring semester. An announcement to all graduates regarding the rescheduled commencement ceremonies is expected next month.
President Clark’s video message, as traditionally happens at the end of commencement ceremonies, welcomed the graduates to the 51 alumni community, which surpassed 75,000 with the Class of 2020’s graduate (454) and undergraduate (1,914) students.
“Our motto – ‘Not to be Ministered Unto, But to Minister’ – embodies the expectations we have of you as 51 graduates,” President Clark said. “Not to be taught but to teach. Not to be served, but to serve. We are all incredibly proud of you. We are Bears forever.”
A series of virtual events, which began this week with a Toast to the Class of 2020, will continue until the time that members of the class can experience their walk across the stage on Boyden’s historic quadrangle.
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