(HARTFORD, CT) – As graduates of Connecticut’s higher education institutions prepare to move onto the next phase of their lives without having the ability to attend in-person graduation ceremonies due to the fallout of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Ned Lamont and several state and higher education officials are taking an opportunity to congratulate and offer their best wishes to those who are finishing their time in college.
Governor Lamont said, “I want to say congratulations – and extend my deepest gratitude to the class of 2020. These students are doing something that none of us alive have done before – graduating college during a global pandemic, and supporting their state in the process. I am incredibly proud of the work these students have done, and look forward to seeing more of their contributions to our great state, and our country.”
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said, “During these unprecedented times, our students have served as an inspiration to all of us. As studies shifted from being held in the classroom to online, our students persevered and continued to put in the hard work and long hours needed to earn their degrees. I congratulate them on their highly deserved and earned success. While we can’t celebrate this important milestone in person, I can’t wait to see what our students accomplish as they start the next chapter of their lives.”
Timothy D. Larson, executive director of the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, said, “I want the class of 2020 to know that we recognize the sacrifices they’ve made in order to ease the burden on our first responders and save lives during this unprecedented time.”
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian said, “We at the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities are beyond proud of the class of 2020, and have great admiration for how they have persisted during such difficult circumstances. Although no one expected this semester to end in such an unusual way, they have shown great determination, resilience and conviction — in not only completing coursework online — but throughout their time in higher education. Although commencement will look much different this year, we know that that our graduates continue to pursue their goals – this is just the beginning of their path to future success.”
University of Connecticut President Thomas C. Katsouleas said, “All of this year’s graduates, both at UConn and beyond, should be proud of their academic accomplishments. I know this is not the final year they expected, but that does not change the significance of this moment in their lives. They enter our workforce ready to use their knowledge to innovate, inspire, and take on societal grand challenges with enthusiasm and creativity. We look forward to celebrating our UConn Class of 2020 in person this fall, and extend our heartiest congratulations to them and to all of Connecticut’s newest graduates.”
Joanne Berger-Sweeney, chair of the board of directors for the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges and president of Trinity College, said, “Job well done graduating students of the class of 2020. This is a time of celebration for not only students but their families and the many educators, teachers and professors who together have worked to get you to this milestone event in your lives. These are challenging times and now more than ever, our world needs bold, independent thinkers who are prepared to lead transformative lives.”
To congratulate the class of 2020, Governor Lamont wrote the following letter, which is being distributed in commencement materials for higher education institutions throughout the state:
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 Ned Lamont May 9, 2020 To Connecticut’s higher education graduates of 2020, I congratulate you for the hard work and long hours you have put in to earn your degree. It is a great accomplishment, and you should be proud. I have no doubt that it is painful to be denied the opportunity to celebrate your Commencement together. This is a challenging time for our nation and state, and the impact on us all is profound. Please know that we will get through this. We will move forward together to the bright future we share in this great state and nation. As you prepare for your path ahead, I will be thinking of you with pride, admiration, and great optimism for your future. It is my strong hope that you will remain here in Connecticut and help us build the next chapter of this great state. I thank you in advance for the contributions I know you will make to your community, your state, and your country. Sincerely, Ned Lamont |
**Download: Letter from Governor Lamont to Connecticut’s 2020 college graduates