A Different Kind of Graduation
Graduation ceremonies for seniors who finished their degrees at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year looked a little different than usual. Mars Hill got a beautiful day for the October 4 celebration, which was held outside on Lunsford Commons. Graduates and their families processed along the university quadrangle, known as Lunsford Commons, to a stage set up in front of the Founders Memorial fountain. While the families watched from ground level, the graduates climbed the steps of the stage to be welcomed by Provost Tracy Parkinson and to receive their diploma from President Tony Floyd. Chaplain Stephanie McLeskey, faculty Chair Amanda Knapp, and board of trustees Chair Linda Judge-McRae, also participated in the ceremony. Floyd told the graduates, “I know this is not exactly how you planned it, but I want you to know today we’re so proud of you; you’re incredible; and this day is to honor you.”
8 Mars Hill, the Magazine | Spring 2021
Prior to processing onto the Lunsford Commons, each graduate and family group gathered under a check-in tent for temperature checks and hand sanitizing. The three-hour ceremony allowed the family groups to be spaced out, consistent with social distancing guidelines. Spring graduates had their degrees conferred in May, and were recognized in a video featuring their photos and words of celebration from faculty. But COVID-19 forced the postponement of their inperson commencement. The October ceremony also included students who completed their degree requirements in August following the summer term. In all, the May and August graduates total 167, and 84 of them participated in the in-person commencement ceremony.
