Pacific Celebrates May 2021 Commencement
Join Pacific University is celebrating May Commencement with two virtual ceremonies debuting on May 15.
The pre-recorded video ceremonies for undergraduate students and graduate/professional students will go live on the university’s YouTube channel at 9 a.m. Saturday. The ceremonies include recognition of each graduating student, the conferral of degrees, remarks from university leadership, plus music and photos honoring the Class of 2021.
More than 400 undergraduates are earning bachelor’s degrees this spring. Among them are undergraduate valedictorian Leiana Petlewski, who delivers remarks as part of the undergraduate ceremony, and Lindsey Newby, the first to earn Pacific’s bachelor of music education.
More than 465 students also will earn master’s or doctorate degrees from Pacific’s athletic training, business administration, education, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, social work, speech-language pathology and vision science programs.
“A Pacific degree is a very special achievement, and the circumstances of our times make your achievements all the more impressive,” said Pacific University President Lesley Hallick. “I have faith that the tenacity, the perseverance, the flexibility, and the creativity you have demonstrated will carry you forward as leaders and lifelong learners in your careers and your communities.”
Many graduating students have been participating in commemorative stage-walk opportunities, and live streams of those experience also are available to watch on YouTube. Additionally, professional portraits taken at the sessions will be available for students to download starting next week.
More than 80 students earned academic, service, and leadership awards from their individual programs. Visit the university's Instagram channel, where awardees will be featured for the next month.
