"I’m so glad to have celebrated graduation in person this weekend!" Robert "Bo" Carlson (T '20) remarked on a lovely early-fall weather day.
Bo and many other political science alumni returned to campus to celebrate the graduation day experience they missed in the spring of 2020, when pandemic protocols necessitated a shutdown of all events.
“Commencement doesn't just signify degree completion; the ceremony binds us to the institution and the legions of alumni who preceded us,” said Gary Bennett, Duke’s vice provost for undergraduate education. “If anyone deserves to participate in this tradition, it's the Class of 2020 whose lives, studies, and Duke experiences were so profoundly interrupted. I am eager to welcome them back home for this weekend's events.”
In April 2020, President Vincent Price wrote to students encouragingly, "I remain resolutely committed to celebrating the Class of 2020’s extraordinary contributions to Duke as we always do: here on campus." But it took almost 20 months of planning and an unprecedented rollout of vaccines to return to that commitment, safely.
In the meantime, alumni from around the country sent videos in support of the Class of 2020. Laura Kohler led a community of supportive alumni in a graduation message produced by the department of political science. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, ESPN Analyst Jay Bilas, HBO Executive VP Amy Gravitt, and ABC Anchor Dan Abrams, also joined in to rally the spirits of the Class of 2020.
"The world needs you all, and we need you now," Laura Kohler remarked. "To whom much is given, much is expected. It is time to use your gifts and your Duke education, put your passions and your talent together. I wish you the best life, and I wish that each of you will have a life of impact."
Joe Brown, a PhD student who graduate in 2020 said, "Went back to Durham this weekend to finally do my PhD Hooding at Duke University. It was so great to see my advisors Peter Feaver and Kyle Beardsley as well as all our Durham friends!" Reflecting on his time as a student in Durham, Joe said, "my Duke experience has been one of discovering unexpected talents."
Approximately 1750 students and 5,000 of their friends and family members were expected to attend the in-person September graduation. In the context of the pandemic, the commencement ceremony, held in the heart of West Campus under the gaze of the Chapel, was an act of remembrance, boldness, and celebration.
Political Science