Thousands joined Samford remotely on Aug. 15 to honor the class of May 2020 with the university’s virtual commencement ceremonies.
The university conferred 1,379 degrees across 10 ceremonies released throughout the day. To celebrate each school, the university created unique individual commencement websites highlighting ceremony speakers and graduate profiles.
Following all speaker addresses and reading of graduates' names, University President Andrew Westmoreland offered well wishes and congratulations.
“Class of 2020, you are now well on your way to the challenges and opportunities of an abundant life. We hope your journey will lead you back to see us soon and often,” Westmoreland said. “We will miss you; we already miss you. We have missed you since last March. May these newfound experiences be all you dare to dream, and may God provide blessings and opportunities beyond your expectation.”
Westmoreland also recognized seven graduates who prepared for military service through the university’s Air Force ROTC detachment and the annual university awards.
Theresa Marie Andrzejewski, a psychology major from Madison, Alabama, received the President’s Cup award. This award is given to the graduating student with the highest undergraduate grade point average (GPA) across all Samford colleges and schools.
Anna Ruth Waters, a speech-language pathology major from Lexington, Kentucky, received the Velma Wright Irons Award as the graduating student with the second-highest undergraduate GPA across all Samford colleges and schools.
Joyner Bousquet, a healthcare administration major from Suwanee, Georgia, received the John C. Pittman Spirit Award. Named for alumnus and longtime trustee, John C. Pittman, the honor is awarded to the graduating student or students who most consistently exhibit exceptional Christian character and community life.
Samford Provost J. Michael Hardin offered the ceremonies’ closing benediction.
Additional Ceremony Coverage
Orlean Beeson School of Education
Howard College of Arts and Sciences