by Laurie Anderson | May 8, 2020
In celebration of students who graduate this spring and summer, the School of Social Work created an online convocation publication that it released on Friday, May 8. The publication, the brainchild of staff member Kat Farlowe, provided a virtual touchstone for the new alumni on the day that they would have participated in the University of Georgia Spring Commencement and school and college convocation ceremonies. Due to the coronavirus, the ceremonies were postponed until the fall.
The document listed all 218 graduates, as well as those who earned certificates, and linked to video segments of faculty in full academic regalia who read the names of graduates aloud, as they have at past convocations.
The program also linked to a recording of the convocation’s keynote address, which was presented by invited speaker Fenwick Broyard, MSW ’13. Broyard acknowledged the difficult situation that graduates face, but encouraged them to see problems as an opportunity.
“In this season of uncertainty what the world needs most is the daring vision and audacity of our profession,” he said.
Other faculty congratulated graduates, gave advice and reminded them to stay in touch. The document opened with a link to a video of Hugh Hodgson School of Music students in performance, recorded at separate locations to maintain safe social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis. Music student Cameron Gwynn composed the arrangement, wrote all of the instrumentation parts, solicited video submissions from soon-to-be-graduates and assembled the video.
The program ended with a link to a video salute to graduating social work students. The soundtrack featured the Redcoat Marching band performing the alma mater.
“In the midst of dark times it is wonderful to have something so positive to celebrate…so as the weekend approaches, sit back, relax, and participate in today’s convocation ceremony!” Dean Anna Scheyett told students, faculty and staff in an email announcement.
The document can be accessed here.
