Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Josh Walker '20, his family, and Mahdia Ahmed '21 gather for a photo following the ceremony.

Tai-Ling Bey '20 celebrates after walking across the stage.

Alex Cottrell '20 poses for a photo after crossing the stage.

President Joyce P. Jacobsen offers her valedictory address that included a meditation on the “weird”-ness of the past year for the graduates, who left HWS for “a world that was locked down and socially distanced, that was gripped by social and political unrest, that was obsessed with rules and rule-following and rule-not-following.”

The Classes of 2020 process across Pulteney Street.

The 2020 graduates are ushered to the Quad by the Mohawk Valley Frasers bagpipe ensemble.

A year after graduating, the Classes of 2020 return to campus to celebrate their Commencement in person. Here, Pierre Thibodeau '20, Katie Taylor '20, Reed Tansill '20, Bayley Tranmer '20, Duniya Syed '20 and Whitney Swanson '20 put on their regalia on Cozzens Field.

Classmates celebrate while processing to the Quad.

An aerial view of the ceremony honoring the Classes of 2020.

The procession includes Chaplain Nita Byrd, honorary degree recipients Margaret “Peggy” Bokan Greenawalt ’66, L.H.D. ’20 and G. Peter Jemison L.H.D. ’20, Board Chair Craig R. Stine ’81, P’17, President Joyce P. Jacobsen and commencement speaker the Most. Rev. Michael B. Curry ’75, D.D.’20.

Hobart and William Smith faculty are applauded while processing to their seats on Sunday.

“This past year has been a test for all of us. It made you stronger and opened your eyes to opportunities and some surprising possibilities,” says Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden L.H.D. ’21. “Remember: this is your time. This is your history to be made.”

In her Commencement address, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden L.H.D. ’21 congratulates the resilient Classes of 2021. Hayden was awarded an honorary doctorate and received the Elizabeth Blackwell Award, given to women whose lives exemplify outstanding service to humanity.

In her valedictory address, President Joyce P. Jacobsen praised the campus’ collective strength over the past year and “the tenacity, dedication and sheer willpower of its individuals.”

The Quad is filled with socially distanced seating.

A colorful mortarboard.