What it means to be The Class of 2020

HNU's Class of 2020 overcame unprecedented challenges on their path to graduation. We asked them to reflect on their college journey and respond to the question, What does it mean to be the Class of 2020?

DEJA ALEWINE, MA '20, COUNSELING AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

“The Class of 2020 showcases resilience through unforeseen circumstances. Life is unpredictable, but perseverance and faith are the keys to combating any challenges. 2020 is the year of Revolution in this world & in our own lives. To all 2020 graduates, remember to be proud of this moment—regardless of how it came to be—because you did it despite the obstacles. Getting this degree may not have been easy, but to say I am feeling blessed would be an understatement. We are the graduates who dominated the unexpected!! Cheers to this next chapter in life! Now, go out and truly make an impact on the world.”

ELBERT GREEN '20, BS IN BIOLOGY

“Being the Class of 2020 is to be resilient in spite of everything. We are a class that is able to withstand anything from fires to power outages to this pandemic. We stick together and find the silver lining in the most difficult times. We are patient, strong, and believers. We believe that we are going to make it through this and come out stronger. We put our faith in God and there is no room for doubt when God is on our side.”

MONICA RODRIGUEZ '20, BA, CRITICAL RACE STUDIES

"I will forever be thankful to all the amazing staff and faculty who supported me in my 3 years at HNU, and all the amazing friendships I made along the way. Not having a graduation ceremony (yet) doesn’t take away from how proud I am to graduate—and be the first in my family to graduate." MARIA SCHAUFELE '20, BS IN BUSINESS

MARIA SCHAUFELE '20, BS IN BUSINESS

"I am very grateful and blessed to be part of the HNU Class of 2020. During this challenging and unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the HNU community continues to provide support to all students."

ALEXANDER MAJOR '20, BA IN PSYCHOLOGY

“Our value is not determined by a commencement ceremony, but by the kind of people we are today, and the kind of people we are determined to be once this pandemic is over. 'As unknown, and yet well known...' (2 Corinthians 6:9)”

BRIANNA MORRIS '20, BA IN BUSINESS

"The Class of 2020 overcame every obstacle this world could imagine, especially the ones we did not see coming. The Class of 2020 is undefeated and unstoppable!”

PEARIS TAVARES '20, BA IN SOCIOLOGY

"It means everything to be in the graduating Class of 2020! Prior to starting my journey at HNU, I was not sure what my future would hold. At times college seemed like a distant dream. However, today I can proudly say my dreams came true and all the glory goes to God."