Pardee School Celebrates the Class of 2020
The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies began celebrating its class of 2020 with a first set of virtual events, held on May 11, 2020, for Pardee School Dean’s Ambassadors and for graduate students. Although the in-person Convocation stands postponed for now, the School is committed to holding it in conjunction with the university commencement at a later date.
During the first event, Dean Adil Najam, Associate Dean Robert Loftis, and Associate Dean William Grimes met with the Pardee School Dean’s Ambassadors, including from the Class of 2020 and offered words of encouragement and advice as they navigate through the historic COVID-19 pandemic and rise above the barriers it is creating around the world.
Dean Najam stressed that the COVID-19 crisis has also brought to the fore the importance of the global challenges that students at the Pardee School are focused on; as the world changes and so many of its processes are “reset,” this generation of graduates will face a heightened responsibility to “make the world a better place.” Associate Dean Loftis pointed out that while we all miss what used to be “normal,” we should not forget that it was not a very desirable “normal’ to begin with – “we must now work towards a better ‘normal’,” he said. Associate Dean added that the class of 2020 was tested by the crisis and has come out shining having demonstrated resilience as well as passion. The Dean’s Ambassadors shared their thoughts on where they have found inspiration and community during the uncertain times of COVID-19.
On the same evening, the Pardee School Student Affairs and Services convened the graduating masters students to toast their accomplishments. The virtual gathering served as a forum for the graduating students to celebrate their classmates, their faculty and the School, to share stories of resilience, and to talk about their aspirations for the future ahead of them. Dean Adil Najam and Associate Dean Robert Loftis kicked off the program with opening remarks which were followed by students and staff sharing their toasts and wishing farewell to the graduating class. The event concluding with parting remarks by Katie Steele, Director of Student Affairs and Services.
At both events, Dean Najam and the students also shared words of thanks and appreciation for Associate Dean Loftis, who is retiring this semester.