AU G UST 202 1
Commencement was
TWICE AS NICE
Photos by David Norris
BY LANCE SCHWARTZ • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
Graduates exited the Sports and Fitness Center to congratulations from faculty lining their way to the campus green.
Commencement Day 2021 was a time of celebration for not only one, but two Bethany Lutheran College graduating classes. For the senior class of 2021, the event put an end to a year of adjusted learning situations, mandatory COVID testing, and quarantining while placing a new focus on a bright future. And for the class of 2020 it was a day to celebrate together after several months of mandatory online learning culminated in a virtual graduation in May 2020. The special ceremonies recognized the achievements of both classes, and the momentous occasion was celebrated the in the Younge Gymnasium. The historic event featured many of the pre-COVID-19 traditions and customs. Three identical graduation ceremonies were held in order to keep attendance within the state-mandated crowd sizes. Graduates and their families attending the in-person ceremony adhered to health and safety protocol with face coverings required indoors along with social distancing guidelines still in place. Each graduate attending in person could bring a maximum of two guests to the ceremony. Despite the restrictions, it was a special experience for all. 10
Dominic Flunker celebrated with classmates after the ceremony.
