Weather No Match for 2021 Commencement Ceremony

Pivot on a moment’s notice. Adapt to the environment. Think on your feet. These are all things educators have to do, and these were the things education graduates had to do for their 2021 commencement ceremony.

Students and families alike were thrilled when OU announced it would hold in-person graduation ceremonies this spring. To keep things safe for everyone, all ceremonies were planned to be held in The Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium May 14-17. But Oklahoma in May means your plans are always at the mercy of Mother Nature. And an active storm pattern meant education’s schedule ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on May 16 had to be moved indoors to Lloyd Noble Center.

Rain or shine, the show went on and approximately 220 master’s and bachelor’s degree students from the classes of 2020 and 2021 were able to walk across the stage and have their name read in front of family and friends. Students were able to take pictures with their classmates and families were able to cheer on their loved ones, capping a year of hardships, setbacks and resilience.

In speaking to the graduates, Dean Stacy Reeder reminded them that no matter their path, whether in the classroom, in administration or elsewhere, they have the opportunity to be the light in someone’s life. They can make a difference by doing nothing more than asking questions and listening. And it may be the littlest moment that has the largest impact.

Congratulations to the classes of 2020 and 2021!