Calvin College Graduates Receive Diplomasin Memorable Commencement Ceremony
CalvinCollege held its annual commencement ceremony on May 22, 2021, whereover 900 graduates received their diplomas. The ceremony was held inthe Van Noord Arena and was filled with excitement and emotion asstudents celebrated the culmination of years of hard work anddedication.
Theceremony began with a procession of faculty members and graduates,who made their way through the arena to the sound of applause andcheers from their family and friends. President Michael Le Roywelcomed the graduates and their families, followed by an invocationby Chaplain Kate Kooyman.
Thekeynote speaker for the commencement was Dr. Chandra Crane, who is anassistant professor of English at Biola University. Dr. Craneaddressed the graduates with a message of hope and inspiration,encouraging them to go out into the world and make a positive impact.
"Afterthe past year, it can be easy to feel discouraged and hopeless,"said Dr. Crane. "But I urge you to remember that each of you hasa unique gift to offer the world, and by using that gift, you canmake a difference and bring about positive change."
FollowingDr. Crane's address, the graduates were called up individually toreceive their diplomas. Each student's name was read aloud, and theywalked across the stage to receive their diploma, shaking hands withPresident Le Roy and other faculty members.
Aseach graduate received their diploma, there were cheers, tears, andemotional embraces from family and friends. The pride and joy in theroom were palpable, as everyone celebrated this momentousachievement.
Onegraduate, Sarah Johnson, spoke about how much this day meant to her."I never thought I would make it to graduation," saidJohnson. "There were times when it felt like the coursework wastoo much, or that I wasn't smart enough to succeed. But with thesupport of my family, friends, and professors, I made it. Thisdiploma represents years of hard work, and I couldn't be prouder."
Afterall of the diplomas had been awarded, President Le Roy gave the finalremarks, congratulating the graduates and thanking the faculty andstaff for their hard work and dedication. He also reminded thegraduates that they were entering into a new chapter of their lives,and that it was up to them to make the most of their education anduse it to make a difference in the world.
Asthe ceremony concluded, the graduates tossed their graduation capsinto the air, signaling the end of their time at Calvin College andthe beginning of their new journey. The day was truly memorable,filled with joy, hope, and a sense of accomplishment. The graduatesleft the ceremony feeling inspired and empowered to make adifference, armed with the knowledge and skills gained during theirtime at Calvin College.