What a remarkable year this has been. By now, even just saying the numbers “2020” serves as a convenient shorthand for plans that have gone awry and for unexpected hurdles encountered. But when you look back on 2020, I hope that it is not only the plans gone awry that you remember – rather, that you remember goals that you have achieved. I hope that it isn’t only the hurdles that you remember – rather, that you remember the grace and aplomb with which you have cleared them. In doing this you today have achieved what we challenged you to do at the start of your college career – to FIND YOUR GREATNESS!

It was my most fervent hope that we could be together to celebrate your remarkable accomplishment. I am truly sorry that our circumstances prevent us from being together in person as a community of scholars who celebrate your graduation.

And while the continuing state of our world’s health crisis has made that impossible, I cannot impress upon you enough my pride in and my admiration for you – our 2020 graduates – for your success in navigating this wholly-new world to accomplish something you set out to do long before anyone, anywhere had ever heard of COVID-19.

As we celebrate this year’s Commencement, and as you proceed on to festive – and safe – celebrations with your friends and family, never forget that no matter where you go, you will always be our alumni.  You will always have a home at Middle Georgia State. And we will always take pride in your success. You truly are bringing greatness to our world in all your endeavors.

Congratulations!

Christopher Blake, Ph.D.
President of Middle Georgia State University