Celebrating the Class of 2020
View a recording of the Class of 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony.
June 8, 2020
To honor the Class of 2020 during a time when large gatherings are not permitted, MECA&D celebrated the accomplishments of MECA&D’s BFA, MFA, and MAT graduates during a Virtual Ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2020.
The ceremony hosted by Ian Anderson, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, included Welcoming Remarks from President Laura Freid, an Invocation from past Interim President Stuart Kestenbaum, Greetings from MFA and BFA Student Speakers, and a surprise video montage of congratulatory messages from MECA&D faculty and staff.
President Freid opened her remarks asking for a moment of silence for the lives lost to the twin viruses we face, the COVID-19 pandemic and systematic racism. “As we mourn for all those who have lost their lives due to police brutality and confront issues of systematic racism and racial bias we as a community must once again grapple with what it means to be artists in a world that does not reflect our vision of justice,” MECA&D President Freid remarked.
After a moment of silence led by MECA&D’s Director of the Joanne Waxman Library, Shiva Darbandi, the graduation continued.
“In the context of this year where everything was cancelled, where we were not physically together, and celebrations were not happening, our thinking was not cancelled, and our creativity continues to inspire and lead us,” said MECA&D President Freid. “Looking at your final work, I have confidence that you have been taught how to navigate the world as artists, dreaming of new spaces and possibilities. You, our next generation of MECA&D artists, envision a society of empathy, reflection, and insight. 2020 might be the year everything was cancelled, but it also can be the year that everything was rediscovered, and old issues were addressed — this time with energy.”
President Freid closed her remarks by saying, “The future is in your hands, and I hope you continue to ask questions, and show us a different way, because now I think the world will be receptive. We cannot stand still, we cannot go backwards now that all of the injustices have been exposed. We as a community of artists can lead the way. You are prepared, you have what it takes, and I can’t wait to see what you create.”
The digital catalog celebrating BFA, MFA, Salt, and MAT Class of 2020 graduates is now available to view and plans are being made to host exhibitions at MECA&D during the next academic year. MECA&D has also invited members of the Class of 2020 to participate in a joint Commencement Ceremony in May 2021 to honor the Classes of 2020 and 2021.
To view the Class of 2020 Virtual Commencement program, as well as the Class of 2020 Digital Catalog, visit meca.edu/commencement.