Commencement 2020

 

Dear Class of 2020 Students and Parents,

As we begin to move closer to graduation and the end of the year at St. Andrew’s, I want to share a few reflections with you and share information about our upcoming celebration of the Class of 2020.

The tragedy of the global pandemic has disrupted our lives in every conceivable way over the past six weeks here in the United States and over the past four months all across the world. Our fears, anxieties, and questions continue to intensify with each passing week, but so too do our sacrifices, hopes, aspirations for our return to health and the regeneration of our lives and world. 

The Class of 2020 at St. Andrew’s will forever be known as the group of leaders who charted a courageous and inspiring course through the chaos of this emergency. They stayed connected, cared for faculty, staff, and underformers, and affirmed the central rituals of our community. Even as they confronted the pain of living apart, our seniors came together in remarkable ways. I am so very proud of each one of them and so committed to their success and fulfillment in college and in their lives.

From the very beginning of our separation, our seniors wanted to wait for a Commencement ceremony and celebration on campus, surrounded by family, fellow students, and beloved faculty and staff. They wanted to carve their names in the basement hallway at St. Andrew’s. They wanted to hear Billy Ewles ’20 and Steph Tanoh ’20 deliver their Commencement addresses; they wanted Elizabeth Roach to deliver her speech on a sunny day with the School assembled on the Front Lawn.

When the pandemic eventually disappears, we will most certainly gather for that majestic ceremony and moment. I cannot wait for this reunion of a Class with a School that so admires and celebrates them.

At the same time, I am determined to honor this Class with a great virtual Graduation week in May, and of course I want you all to be aware of our dates and times so that we can all be together for these moments. A full schedule of events is displayed on this page, and we will share links to each with you via email.

I send you and your families my love and best wishes for health, resilience, and happiness.

Best,

Tad
 

Schedule of Events

Saturday, May 16
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm (EDT)
Arts Weekend

Sunday, May 17
11:00 a.m. (EDT)
Chapel, featuring Margarette Normil-Tanoh P’20

Sunday, May 17
8:00 p.m. (EDT)
VI Form Dinner—Bre Pierce ’13 will welcome the Class of 2020 into the alumni community of St. Andrew’s.

  • A Zoom link has been shared via email with Class of 2020 students and parents

Wednesday, May 20
6:30 p.m. (EDT)
Mein Chapel, featuring talks from several members of the Class of 2020.

  • Watch live on SAS YouTube
  • Speakers will be:
    • Dana Bulakh ’20
    • Steven Ding ’20
    • Jack Lauer ’20
    • Ginger Mullins ’20
    • Campbell Nicholson ’20
    • Zach Tull ’20

Saturday, May 23
8:00 p.m. (EDT)
Awards Night

  • Watch live on SAS YouTube
  • View the Awards Night Program
  • We will recognize members of the Class of 2020 for their achievements in academic, athletic, artistic, and community life; hear talks from seniors; and enjoy the senior slideshow. This year's speakers will be:
    • Lamar Duncan ’20
    • Spencer McKenzie ’20
    • Eddie Mo ’20
    • Louise Stilwell ’20
    • Aliay Chavez ’20

Sunday, May 24
9:00 a.m. (EDT)
Baccalaureate Chapel

  • Watch live on SAS YouTube
  • Class Co-Advisor Will Robinson will speak about the Class of 2020.

Sunday, May 24
10:00 a.m. (EDT)
Graduation Ceremony, with remarks from Board Chair Scott Sipprelle and Head of School Tad Roach.

Further Info on Senior Week