Dual commencement celebrates Classes of ’20 and ’21
This year’s Commencement ceremonies were doubly special as the Classes of 2020 and 2021 joined to celebrate their accomplishments.
More than 370 graduates walked across the stage at Callaway Stadium on May 15 to receive their diplomas.
Perseverance, hope and encouragement were the themes of every speaker.
Coral Douglas ’20 and Trevor McLemore ’21, winners of the Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership Award, encouraged their classmates to take the lessons they’ve learned at the college into their adult lives.
Honorary doctorates were presented to civic leader Dr. Robert Tucker and businessman Jerry Wilkinson.
Tucker paid tribute to the college and its students for the impact they have had on his community and on the city. He also stressed the importance of education.
Wilkinson agreed.
“I am a firm believer in education,” he said. “It is the key that unlocks opportunity.”
He said he is proud of the balance of service and academics that exemplify a LaGrange College education.
The crowd was surprised with a video message from U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock.
“A bright future awaits you,” he said. “All of your hard work has paid off.”
President Susanna Baxter sent the graduates off with a challenge.
“You have an obligation to engage the world in which you live, to be civically minded, to challenge what you hear and read and to live lives of integrity and moral courage,” she said. “Your LaGrange College education has prepared you for your next step and far beyond. Your adventure awaits.”