Fairfield Celebrates Classes of 2020 and 2021 at Commencement Ceremonies

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Tara Webber ’20 and Claire Zielinski ’20 show their Stag spirit at the 2020 academic celebration; a student showcases her graduation cap; Alexis Dumais ’21 celebrates; Egan students at the academic celebration; and Minasdine Renen ’21, Muriel Staffier ’21, Beatrice Erika Relucio ’21, Grace Rankin ’21, Zaira Ramirez ’21 during the procession. Photos by Mike Budny, Cassidy Kristiansen, and Andrew Henrickson

This May, Fairfield University proudly honored the achievements of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 with virtual Commencement ceremonies and a series of smaller, in-person academic celebrations held throughout this week. Under brilliant skies, family and friends gathered for celebrations on Bellarmine Lawn overlooking the Long Island Sound as President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, provosts, deans, and faculty members recognized each graduate’s success

At the Class of 2021 academic celebration, Fairfield University acknowledged the achievements of 129 nursing, 16 public health, and our first-ever two social work undergraduate students from the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies. Rev. Michael Tunney, S.J., provided a prayer for both celebrations: “Let us take up all of the skills and talents that we have discovered here, lavishly, to heal and lift up our human community — to build up the common good of all in our world. Help us, O God, to be on fire...with your desire for wisdom rooted in our faiths and human reason.”

At the 2020 celebration, student Commencement speaker Teresa Ann Sauer ’20 spoke to her classmates about persevering through adversity. “It is when we strive for the fulfillment of our dreams that we help others to the same end. We cannot fear to dream. The restoration of our global community depends on our drive and our strength, even in the face of uncertainty and hardship.”

Following awards recognitions, President Nemec acknowledged the resilience and fortitude of the Class of 2020, especially in the face of the pandemic. “As small as we may at times feel, as large as the world and as vast as the universe might seem... we are never, ever alone. Rather, we are always blessed to be part of something grander.”

Dr. Nemec urged graduates to maintain three habits: “Be curious. Be bold. Be kind.” In closing, he officially congratulated the Class of 2020 by telling them, “We have waited a year to say it, but allow me to formally announce that you are, now and forever, Stags.” l E