The University of La Verne graduates of spring 2020, and winter and spring 2021 finally had their day in the sun\u2014literally\u2014on June 12 as they proudly marched into San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino for in-person commencement ceremonies. The easing of statewide restrictions on large outdoor gatherings made it possible for the university to hold an in-person graduation ceremony for the first time since pandemic-related closures began in March 2020.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe in-person ceremony was everything I could\u2019ve hoped for,\u201d said Elizabeth Galioto \u201920, who earned a bachelor of science degree in sociology. \u201cIt gave me closure for my senior year getting cut short. My name being called and walking across that stage is a moment I will cherish forever. I am so thankful University of La Verne gave us this opportunity and didn\u2019t forget about the 2020 grads. I am a proud Leo for Life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jasmine Jancan \u201920 noted that \u201cit meant a lot to me being first generation to walk and have my family there to celebrate with me.\u201d And, she added, \u201cit also meant the world to see all my friends again and, in a sense, bring closure to my undergrad years.\u201d Jancan earned a bachelor of science degree in criminology. \u201cI felt like I didn\u2019t get the live some of my college \u2018lasts,\u2019 so getting to walk, even being a year later, gave me that one last memory,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was very special to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
To accommodate the approximately 1,500 graduates who wanted to participate, the university held ceremonies at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. Each graduate could request up to four tickets for family and friends. The ceremonies included the traditional entry to \u201cPomp and Circumstance,\u201d remarks by university President Devorah Lieberman, the alma mater school song, and the turning-of-the tassel marking the transition from student to graduate.<\/p>\n
The proudest moment came, though, as each graduate\u2019s name was called as they walked across the stage. It was a moment to savor, and one that many perhaps thought they would never get to experience. \u201cThe school did an outstanding, phenomenal job,\u201d said Giovanni Trejo, MS \u201921. \u201cThis is a closure of one chapter in my life, and an opening of a new chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n