When the University of Virginia shifted classes online last year as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the members of the Class of 2020 had to give hasty goodbyes to their friends and head home for the second half of their final semester. They celebrated their graduation virtually and sent well-wishes to one another via social media.
On Sunday, they were able to gather together as a class for the first time since those surreal days more than a year ago.
Take a look at their triumphant walk down the Lawn and ceremony in Scott Stadium, where speaker Melody Barnes, co-director of the UVA Democracy Initiative, told them, “Your strength, your patience and your passion make you one of the most special classes to ever graduate from UVA.”