- Remarks from President Jim Ryan and Rector James B. Murray.
- Keynote speech from Alexis Ohanian.
- Special performances round out the ceremonies.
- Friday’s morning and afternoon ceremonies.
- Saturday’s morning and afternoon ceremonies.
- Sunday morning’s ceremony.
President Jim Ryan – ‘We’ll Leave the Lights on for You.’
Ryan welcomed graduates to the stadium ceremony each day by noting all of the obstacles they had overcome to get there, especially during the last 15 months of the pandemic.
“I have to be honest with you: I feel like this moment is a bit miraculous. Not because you’re graduating – we all expected that. But given all of the stops and starts we have had to endure, the plans made and the plans scrapped, hopes raised and hopes dashed, just to get to this moment,” Ryan said. “Believe me when I say I could not be happier or more grateful to be here, right now, with all of you.”
Ryan thanked the faculty and staff who made Final Exercises possible this year, and asked the Class of 2021 to stand and join him in a big round of applause for the family and friends, in the stands and watching from home, who helped them reach this point. He also, of course, thanked the graduates themselves. (Read Ryan’s prepared remarks.)
“I want to say a personal thanks for your patience, for your strength, and for your service and leadership, especially this past year,” Ryan said. “I have seen this class step up in countless ways that have brought joy, support and comfort to your classmates and to our entire community. For your selfless actions, generosity, humor and creativity, which brought light to Grounds even during our most challenging moments: thank you. It has been a true privilege to serve as your president.”