On Wednesday, December 14, 24 Gettysburgians were recognized during the midyear graduates recognition ceremony for having completed the requirements necessary for graduation.
“Today, you are a small group of graduates, who will go out into this world as thoughtful, committed citizens,” President Janet Morgan Riggs ’77 said in her welcoming remarks.
“Gettysburg College has helped prepare you to make a difference—in your professions, and also in your local communities. You are a small, but mighty, group of citizens who have the potential to change the world for the better in small and large ways. And that’s what we expect of you.”
The ceremony was held in the CUB Ballroom, during which both Provost Chris Zappe and political science Prof. Yasemin Akbaba addressed the graduates and celebrated their accomplishments.
“This institution—your mentors, your classmates, your Gettysburg experience—will always be with you, wherever you go in the world,” said Zappe, assuring the graduates that they were ready for the next challenge in their lives.
“We are rooting for you, and we look forward to seeing what your future holds. So take your Gettysburg Experience with you, and let it continue as you stay in touch with us.”
Akbaba delivered the keynote address, which encouraged students to seek self-awareness in an ever-changing world.
“I won’t tell you that sky is the limit. I won’t ask you to do great work, or get out of your comfort zone. I will even break the tradition to draw on the words of a philosopher to have an ‘a-ha’ moment,” said Akbaba. “The truth of the matter is, I think you have heard it all.”
“I am here today to recognize you as informed global citizens who understand which causes are worth a fight,” Akbaba said in her charge to the graduates. “Please remember your story matters. Let it be impactful, compassionate, and inspiring.”
After Akbaba’s address, each of the graduates processed across the stage as Dean of Students Julie Ramsey read their names and shared a few details about their College experience. While degrees were not distributed at the ceremony, all of the graduates were encouraged to return to campus in May in order to participate in the formal Commencement ceremony and its related events.
View pictures from the event on Flickr, and watch the livestream footage of the ceremony.
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