Resilient Class of 2021 celebrated
June 17, 2021
Congratulations to the 676 graduating students were welcomed into the King’s Class of 2021 and became the newest members of the King’s Alumni family on June 16, 2021.
Read more about the members of King’s Class of 2021
The Class of 2021 received video recognition, featuring photos sent in by the graduating class as well as the names of all 676 graduates. The ceremony was broadcast on King’s website and Facebook page and can still be viewed on the King’s YouTube channel.
It was a culmination of an undergrad like none other as summed up by Rebecca Francis, Class of 2021 Valedictorian. She and other presenters at the virtual Celebration of Graduates addressed how the past four years have changed the graduates. A theme of how the lockdown challenged allowed them to become better people going forward emerged during the event. As well, as the students spoke of the resilience everyone has shown while completing this academic journey during a global pandemic.
“It took a lot of strength, courage and determination to arrive where we are today. This year's class will serve as an inspiration for future generations that follow,” said Francis.
Dr. David Malloy, King’s Principal, called the Celebration “a day to celebrate the wonderful people you became during your time here at King’s.”
“My sincere hope for you is that you've had the good fortune to be able to surround yourself in these past four years with people who have loved and valued you for who you are, and for who you wish to become,” said Dr. Malloy. He asked the graduates, after completing their studies at King’s during COVID-19, to “be proud of your tenacity, your hardiness and when the world throws you a curve, remember what you've been through, and what odds you've overcome.”
Dr. Gillian Balfour, Vice-Principal and Academic Dean, said students have not only come together and excelled academically in the midst of the pandemic. “We know that you will accomplish great things, rebuilding the world around us, regardless of the paths that you have chosen, and those that you will follow, your legacy will be felt by many,” said Dr. Balfour.
On behalf of the King’s Board of Directors, Kapil Lakhotia ’02 congratulated the graduates on their well-deserved success. “Despite the pandemic challenges, you've proven to be resilient,” said Lakhotia. He added “we know that your time at King’s has provided a solid foundation to make a positive impact and make our world a better place to be and a place to belong for everyone.”
As part of the “Last Lecture", Dr. Trevor Hunter ’92, Associate Professor of the School of Management, Economics, and Mathematics, told the students they should be proud of completing King’s in a “final year that was literally without precedent in the history of the world.”
Dr. Hunter spoke about the changes that students have undergone over the past four years while studying at King’s and about how those changes have prepared them for the future. “Regardless of what you do next, grad school or work or whatever, your life will be very different from what it has been for the last few years, because for the last few years, you've been focused on getting to where you are today,” said Dr. Hunter.
After performing the Irish blessing “May the Road Rise Up to Meet You” and reading from the Book of the Prophet Micah, Deacon Jim Donovan Panchaud and members of King’s Campus Ministry expressed the desire that the King’s graduates “will continue to grow in the service of humanity.”
The Celebration of Graduates also welcomed the newest members of the King’s Alumni family.
Jennifer Ayers ’08, spoke as president of the King’s Alumni Association, about the importance of the maintaining ties to King’s. “King’s alumni are an active group united by memories of our King’s student experience and shared alumni experiences.”
Graduates will receive their diplomas from Western University and will be able to purchase beautiful King’s degree frames from Alumni and Development. Frames will be on sale for 10% off from June 15-July 31, 2021. Shipping within Ontario is included in the prices that are listed online. For shipping outside of Ontario, please contact Alumni. As well, the King’s Connection shop will be open online for souvenir sales.
Congratulations to the Class of 2021!