On May 19, 2024, nearly 500 graduates representing the College of Arts & Sciences, Atkinson Graduate School of Management, College of Law, Pacific Northwest College of Art, and the School of Computing and Information Sciences received their degree at Willamette University’s annual commencement ceremonies.
If there was one common theme during the day’s celebrations it was resilience. In his remarks, University President Steve Thorsett acknowledged that, for many graduates, their Willamette experience began in the depths of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“When most of us first met, back in August 2020, there was no big tent and there were no big crowds. Most of you did not experience a traditional high school graduation ceremony, though to be sure your friends, families, and high schools did everything they could to show that COVID could not take anything from your accomplishment,” Thorsett said. “Still, I am so happy that we can be here together, in a raucous, noisy crowd, to cheer you in the traditional way.”
Weeks of celebrations for graduates
The commencement ceremonies came at the end of a series of events on the Salem and Portland campuses. The College of Arts & Sciences held a celebratory senior week featuring a wine and cheese party, a final performance for music majors, and more. MBA students braved the annual Brownwater regatta as they floated down the Mill Stream. After a successful Focus Week, graduating PNCA students celebrated and displayed their work at the final First Thursdays event of the academic year.
Both campuses held their annual Black & Brown Joy and Lavender Graduation ceremonies. Willamette also held its inaugural First in Family Graduation, which honored students who were the first in their immediate family to attend college and acknowledged the faculty and staff who helped them along the way.
Ultimately, the graduates of this year overcame disruptions, social distancing, extreme weather events, and other extraordinary challenges — in addition to the rigors of a Willamette education — to earn their degree. After crossing the commencement stage, these new Willamette alumni will be ready to take on any challenge as they begin a lifelong journey to turn their knowledge into action.
