news

Applied mathematics major Sophie Hoare, a New Zealand native, thanked her family for their support as she moved to the United States to follow her dream.

Members of Georgia Gwinnett College's unstoppable Class of 2020 were honored in a Facebook Live event Thursday.

“While the event does not replace GGC’s commencement ceremony, which is being planned for later in the summer, it does allow the college to recognize the achievements of these seniors as they transition from GGC students to GGC alumni,” said Holly Lisle, GGC’s director of Alumni Engagement. 

The event featured music, assorted student pictures and messages from faculty, staff and students who shared their well wishes to more than 500 viewers who tuned in to the event.

Passion. Patience. Perseverance. Those are the three Ps of career success shared by Dr. Roslyn Brown, GGC’s director of career services. In her message, Brown encouraged students to never forget their mission, stay the course during difficult circumstances and be persistent in their career goals and dreams.

Applied mathematics major Sophie Hoare thanked her family for their support as she moved to the United States to follow her dream. The New Zealand native said her favorite memory was her participation as a goalkeeper on GGC’s women’s soccer team as she and her teammates secured the team's first-ever conference title in 2017.

“I hope you have had as many great memories as I’ve had,” she said. 

On May 14, the date that was set for GGC’s commencement, President Jann L. Joseph had hoped to shake the hand of each graduate who crossed the stage. But COVID-19 presented challenges for GGC and colleges around the state and across the nation, which had to postpone their plans for commencement ceremonies. As seniors begin the next chapter of their lives, Joseph challenged them to face adversity with courage, resilience and hard work. 

“We believe in you,” said Joseph in her message to students. “We know that you’re going to make a difference in the world and we will always be very proud of you.”

All in all, the event garnered more than 600 posts and the Facebook group attracted 1,300 members who continue to engage through selfies, videos and messages amid well wishes from family and friends. 

“You are a part of our family,” said Joseph. “Now go and be great.”

Watch the event here.