Meliora 2021 36 NURSING 2022 Volume 1
Health and safety were top priorities during the first large event for alumni, students, and families since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic On October 1 and 2, the University of Rochester community came together in person and online for two days of reunions, celebrations, conversations, performances, and family fun, including the much-anticipated “One University” Commencement honoring the Class of 2020. Health and safety were top priorities during the array of events comprising Meliora 2021, a reimagined version of Meliora Weekend, the University’s traditional fall event combining reunion, family weekend, and homecoming activities. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that last year’s in-person events, including Commencement and Meliora Weekend, had to be postponed. Although COVID-19 protocols limited this year’s in-person attendance to current students, alumni from the Classes of 2020 and 2021, and their families, Meliora 2021 programming—most of which was available via livestream—drew thousands of participants to rewind, reunite, and reconnect. The UR School of Nursing held its annual Clare Dennison Lecture virtually. Yvette Conyers ’07N, president of the Rochester Black Nurses Association, was the featured speaker. To watch a recording of the Clare Dennison Lecture and other events from Meliora 2021, visit www.rochester.edu/melioraweekend/virtual-events/recordings.
A LEAGUE OF HER OWN: Academy Award–winning actor, Olympic-level archer, United Nations special envoy, and gender equality advocate Geena Davis (left) received the Eastman Medal for achievements and service that embody the University’s highest ideals. Afterward, during her commencement address, she told the graduates, “Yours is the generation that is going to save the planet. Thank you in advance for all the good work you will do, you ferocious warriors.”
Assistant professor of clinical nursing Erin Baylor (right) prepares to read aloud the names of the 2020 UR Nursing graduates.
