By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Bowling Green State University celebrated the 994 graduates in the summer 2020 class with a few jazz licks and fervent hopes that they will meet again when they can celebrate their time on campus with hugs and smiles not hidden behind masks.
At this point, that may be next spring.
In the meantime, Provost Joe Whitehead said “today’s virtual event is to recognize you for your hard work and all your accomplishments.”
Whitehead and President Rodney Rogers presided over the celebration from a podium set up on the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle. Interspersed with their remarks were videos of greetings from alumni and of memories from the past four years. The celebration was bookended by music. A jazz quartet of Jared Saenz, Miles Anderson, Brad Billmaier and Rocky Starks played John Coltrane’s “Moment’s Notice” before the program began and at the end a virtual chorus of 38 voices sang “You Will Be Found” from the musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” which it made its Broadway debut in 2016.
The jazz was recorded in Bryan Recital Hall with the musicians all masked except for the saxophone player. The choir appeared in the grid so familiar to those who have participated in online meetings these past five months.
The video began with freshman convocation and concluded with shots of students departing campus in March for the rest of the semester when they should only have been leaving for spring break followed by shots of online learning.
The video recapped years filled with activities, sports games, live performances, parties, prominent visitors, and gatherings with nary a mask in sight.
Betty Montgomery, 1970 BGSU graduate, former state attorney general, and president of the university’s Board of Trustees, addressed the graduates. “We are confident that you will take your BGSU education and experience, and you will tackle this world head on, and despite this pandemic succeed in making the dreams you have come true.”
Four other prominent BGSU graduates also delivered brief recorded remarks.
Stantanu Narayen, chairman, president, and CEO of Adobe and a 1986 graduate told them that “life can throw you curveballs.” He used his own career as an example. His first business venture was not successful, but what he learned led him to Adobe. In 2008 an economic downturn pushed Adobe to make a major shift in its operations, leading to greater success for the company.
“My message to you is to stay adaptable and to use every experience and adversity as a learning opportunity.”
Beth Macy, best-selling writer and a 1986 graduate, told graduates to “stay true to who you are right now because when you’re true to your authentic self, that’s what really allows you to be your best person and do your best work.”
Eva Marie Saint, Oscar-winning actress and a 1946 graduate, told them to “just follow that dream you have. … Right now, it’s very difficult in the world with the virus, but this too shall pass.”
Jim Pickens Jr., actor and 1976 graduate, said “obviously the world is going to look a little different once you graduate. Either face it with trepidation or look at it as an opportunity to go back into your community and be change agents.”
In his concluding remarks, Rogers also evoked the pandemic that cast its long shadow over both the just concluded semester and the one scheduled to begin in two weeks.
“You are entering a world during uncertain times,” he said. “Times such as these remind us of the importance of supporting each other, listening and learning from others.
“Opportunities present themselves for others who seek those opportunities. More than ever we need people who want to make a difference in their communities and the world and find those opportunities. And so, I challenge you to focus forward, leaning into your future, listening and learning, be creative and always be kind. Make sure you look for those opportunities and please know you are prepared for this next journey.”
