How 2020 began...

This year’s Commencement Dinner, like those before, had a certain buzz and an optimistic headiness about the promise of the year ahead; another new cohort on the precipice of an exciting journey. There was also a carefreeness that may have been at the time unremarkable, but now, in hindsight, seems particularly poignant. As it turned out, just days later we found ourselves facing a global pandemic, and the year ahead seemed to take a very different shape to what any of us had envisaged.

To look back now, as if from the vantage point of a drone, I see a glittery throng of over 350 people in the Giblin Courtyard, enjoying themselves, greetings of hugs and handshakes; people with arms around each other, happily bunched together. The concept of social distancing that is now so pervasive was absent from anyone’s consciousness.

It is a wonderful image to recall and it preceded an equally wonderful evening of formalities, festivities and feasting. We were treated to the amazing culinary efforts of the Executive Chef and his team, and the dedication of the Dining Room Supervisor and wait staff ensured the Dining Hall looked spectacular and the event ran seamlessly. Our talented Music Representative, Oliver Humphris, arranged and performed two wonderful performances on the French Horn for our entertainment. The first, Cherubini Sonata No.1 was followed by a beautiful rendition of La Vie en Rose in which Oliver was accompanied by Will Hatty on the piano and vocals.

As usual, the success of the evening was a whole team effort and thanks go out to the organisational and creative talents

of the Student Services, Guest Services, Marketing and Facilities teams for their parts. Of course, it is the students themselves who ultimately make the evening special and it was obvious from the positive hum of the night that this was a wonderful start to the year.

Formal dinners like Commencement are so integral to the building and stewardship of our community. It has been difficult to have COVID-19 disrupt our usual pattern of college events and experiences. We have been forced to adjust very quickly to so many changes; in the way we learn, live and interact with others. However, whilst this pandemic has left its taint, and will do for some time to come, we can at least be proud of our agility, our creativity and our resilience. Our experience of 2020 is far from what we might have expected or hoped when we readied ourselves for Commencement Dinner, and we may have lost a little carefreeness on the way, but we can be sure that this experience will make us appreciate even more the true value of community.

Liz Agostino

Dean of Students