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Commencement 2021 The 2020-21 school year was different from any other in the history of Saint John’s University, so it was fitting that it concluded with commencement ceremonies as unique as the times in which they were held. Saint John’s graduation ceremony took place May 16 under sunny skies at Clemens Stadium, marking the first time graduation ceremonies had been held on SJU’s football field since 1961. The Abbey Church was consecrated later that year, and SJU graduation ceremonies have been there ever since. Graduates wore their traditional caps and gowns, and – in keeping with safety measures that have been in place since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – masks as well. No in-person ceremony was held in 2020 due to the pandemic. Graduates were allowed two guests, and proper social distancing requirements remained in effect. Hundreds more had the opportunity to view the proceedings via livestreaming. The president’s greeting was provided by interim president Dr. Eugene McAllister. The senior speaker was Simeon Farquharson, an accounting and finance major from Nassau, Bahamas. Saint John’s commencement speaker was Gen. Paul Nakasone ’86, who also was presented an honorary degree. The four-star general and White Bear Lake (Minnesota) native is currently serving as Commander, U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service. Nakasone, who was scheduled to be SJU’s 2020 commencement speaker before the ceremony was canceled, told graduates it was good to finally be with them in person.
36 SUMMER/FALL 2021
“It took an extra year, a year that has tested most of us in ways we never anticipated,” he said before going on to praise the resilience the 2021 graduating class and the rest of the SJU/ CSB community showed in the face of pandemic challenges.
“Most of the things that are truly worth something in this world – strong relationships, a rewarding career, even meaningful hobbies – take time and effort.”
“We’re all more deeply aware of how special it truly is to gather together in celebration to share this moment with others.”
• A total of 374 students were eligible for graduation at SJU, 447 students at CSB and 29 from the Saint John’s School of Theology.
Nakasone told graduates not to be deterred by the tumult and uncertainty of the past 14 months. “Be brave enough to build something,” he said. “It may seem like you’re heading out into a stormy world. Start anyway. Build something that takes more than a day or a year or even 10 years.
Here is a bit more on this year’s graduating class at SJU/CSB:
• The top five majors in this year’s senior class at SJU were (in order): global business leadership, accounting and finance, computer science, communication and economics. The top five majors in this year’s senior class at CSB were (in order): psychology, nursing, biology, elementary education and accounting.
