To view pictures from Commencement Day 2024, visit this link.
On Saturday, May 25, the 451 members of the Gustavus Adolphus College Class of 2024 celebrated their graduation in front of family, friends, faculty, staff, and special guests. Although appropriately “Gustie” breezes kept the bugs at bay, a slightly rainy forecast forced a juggling of the day’s agenda.
This was the first Gustavus class whose time on the Hill happened entirely during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Commencement remarks frequently touched on that experience, acknowledging how unusual and challenging this period has been for young people. 
Gustavus Board of Trustees Chair Marcia Page lauded the Class of 2024 for their perseverance and achievements. “You did it. We are so happy to be celebrating this accomplishment with you,” she said. “All of us here today are well aware of the fact that, for most of our graduates, your high school commencement was canceled or looked significantly different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, four years later, we share in your celebration of an on-campus commencement ceremony!”
The Class of 2024’s senior speaker, Andrea Cruz Bracamontes ’24, also cited the many challenges faced and lessons learned by her class in the past four years. “As I reflect on our collective journey during our first year on this campus, I am reminded of the remarkable resilience exhibited by the Class of 2024,” she said. “Despite the challenges brought forth by a global pandemic, we have shown unwavering determination and perseverance. Through it all, we have leaned on each other for support, finding solace in the shared experiences and bonds of friendship that have come to define our time here at Gustavus.” 
If anything, the unprecedented hurdles have only strengthened the Class of 2024’s embodiment of the College’s Core Values. “As Gusties, we’ve dedicated ourselves to acts of service to our community and the world,” Bracamontes said. “Our shared passion for creating positive change has bound us together, whether through research endeavors, caring for animals, mentoring youth, or building houses across the country. Each of us has invested our talents and time in service to others. I implore you to hold onto the values you’ve embraced at Gustavus and let them guide your path forward.” 
After the conferring of degrees, as per tradition, Martin Lang ’95, associate professor of Communications Studies, the winner of the 2023 Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished Teaching, announced this year’s winner, Hayley Russell, associate professor and Department chair in Health and Exercise Science. Before sending the newly minted graduates off into the world and out of the light rain, President Rebecca Bergman asked them to express their gratitude for all the support they’ve received from others—namely, the people who gathered to honor them at Hollingsworth Field or watched the event remotely. “Graduates, I ask that you join me in recognizing the individuals who are celebrating with you today in person and online,” she said. “They have provided support and encouragement for you during your days as students here at Gustavus. They have assisted you by providing an opportunity for you to attend Gustavus, and they have supported you, loved, and believed in you throughout all your days here on the Hill. They are surely busting with pride over your many accomplishments and full of hope for your future.”
You can view the recording of the 2024 Gustavus Adolphus Commencement Ceremony at this link.
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