SUNDAY SHOUTOUT: A different way to graduate
About 1,200 students graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia in one of the quietest ceremonies ever held by the institution. There were no cheers, tears or hats thrown in the air.
But the event was held — as we have become accustomed to in the past months due to the COVID-19 pandemic — by video. Elements of Fredonia’s traditional commencement ceremony, including reflection speakers, student performances of the national anthem, and messages from Interim President Dennis Hefner and Senior Class President Deoniss Jackson were included in the online presentation. The video also included a musical performance recorded earlier in the semester.
Most importantly, the video honored the graduates graduates, who were invited to submit their personal photos for the video.
These graduates, who were an important part of our community, all accomplished something significant during one of America’s trying times.