Their moment was delayed but not diluted.
It was a moment that took place five months later than it was supposed to, and seven months since the Class of 2020 last sat in classrooms at Franklin College. But on Sunday, the newest Grizzly alumni had their moment in the sun, this time surrounded by vibrant foliage and masks.
The change of colors was something 2020 Ph.D. recipient Richard DiMarchi centered his keynote speech around, sharing a few words of wisdom with the 181 graduates who sat in folding chairs on the football field, their family members scattered in the bleachers at Stewart “Red” Faught Stadium.
As yellow serves as a transition on a traffic light, DiMarchi encouraged students to use the yellow period in their lives, a transition point between academia and the start of their careers, to push for positive change.
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“Yellow is sometimes associated with cowardice and caution, but it’s also associated with change. At no point have we witnessed such societal change as this year,” DiMarchi said. “I encourage you to embrace change and do it in a civilized manner. When you see yellow I hope you see sun and I hope it brings on brighter days. Let’s figuratively tie a yellow ribbon around Franklin College so we don’t just survive but come out stronger.”
Franklin College’s replica Liberty Bell rang as its graduates took the stage, once for students graduating Cum Laude, twice for Magna Cum Laude, three times for Summa Cum Laude and four times for its Ph.D. recipients.
One of the graduates, Melissa Beer, was honored for her academic achievement as a Top Ten Senior, her two years on the women’s basketball team and her receipt of the Rodney T. Hood Prize for Excellence in Mathematics.
The college community was always there to support her, even during these challenging times, Beer said.
“Even though our time didn’t end as it was supposed to, a few months doesn’t take away from our amazing experiences at Franklin College,” Beer said. “I won’t forget all the times Franklin felt like home and any challenges were met with resources and support from advisers, mentors and peers. That’s what makes Franklin College special.”
The Class of 2020’s ability to adapt to challenges and persevere is inspiring, said Kerry Prather, Franklin College President.
“Today is all about you,” Prather said. “I’m so very proud of you for many reasons. Your talents, achievements and contributions to the campus community and the indelible marks left on this place are worthy of this special celebration. Perhaps most of all, your strength, perseverance, adaptability and resilience through unprecedented challenges is an inspiration to us all.”
