Meredith College Celebrates the Class of 2023 with Commencement Exercises
- Published
Meredith College celebrated the Class of 2023 with two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 13.
President Jo Allen, ’80, presided over the ceremonies, and Senior Class President Safa Ahmed, ’23, was the featured speaker.
In her address, Ahmed urged her classmates to take pride in overcoming the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were forced to adapt quickly to new ways of learning, socializing, and living our lives. We faced isolation, uncertainty, and fear. But through it all, we persevered,” said Ahmed. “I am proud of each and every one of you for rising to the challenge and overcoming the obstacles that were thrown our way. You showed determination, strength, and creativity in navigating these challenging times. You have emerged from this experience stronger, wiser, and more resilient.”
Ahmed also left her classmates with some advice as they completed their years as Meredith students.
“As we close this chapter of our lives, let us remember the memories we have made, the lessons we have learned, and the friendships we have forged. And let us look forward to the future with hope, excitement, and a sense of wonder,” Ahmed said.
In her closing remarks, President Allen shared a reflection with the Class about the meaning of “Lux,” which is found on the College seal.
“You have known and lived the Lux, meaning ‘light,’ a lamp of learning that is proudly featured in the Meredith College seal,” Allen said. “Hold it in your heart, for you will need its light to guide your path and in turn, the world will look to you as a beacon of promise.”
Prior to Saturday’s ceremonies, the College also held a special commencement celebration for its USA South Championship Lacrosse team seniors on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Johnson Hall Rotunda. The ceremony was held because the team qualified for the NCAA Division III tournament, and round one occurred the same day as Meredith’s regular commencement exercises.
“When Meredith holds a special commencement for our graduating seniors, it is a full-circle celebration of all of their hard work and dedication,” said Head Lacrosse Coach Lauren Scott. “It makes the moment extra special to be able to celebrate both of these successes with their friends, teammates, professors, and families.”
Members of the Class of 2023 have accepted positions with SAS, City of Raleigh, Credit Suisse, CGI, Enterprise, Volvo Group, Valencell, and Tina Barnard Designs, LLC.
Graduates have been accepted into graduate and professional programs at a range of schools including Duke University, NC State, Clemson University, Temple University, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and East Carolina University. Several members of the class are attending law school at Campbell University or Elon University as part of Meredith’s accelerated law degree program.
Approximately 418 students were eligible to participate in commencement this year, including 319 students completing undergraduate degrees and 99 in Meredith’s graduate programs. These include individuals who completed their degrees in Summer 2022, December 2022, and May 2023. Each Meredith graduate degree program holds separate hooding ceremonies for their master’s degree candidates.
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