Virtual University-wide celebration kicks off Commencement Week 2021

Virtual University-wide celebration kicks off Commencement Week 2021

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Rowan University launched Commencement Week 2021 May 8 with an exciting virtual program broadcast live from campus featuring a remote keynote address by 12-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres.

Torres, who is among the most decorated U.S. Olympians of all time, earned four gold, four silver and four bronze medals in swimming events, representing the U.S. from age 15 to 41, the oldest swimmer ever to earn a spot on a U.S. Olympic team.

Now also the recipient of a Medal of Excellence for Inspirational Leadership from Rowan, Torres addressed graduates in a University gown, cap and tassel, encouraging them to do great things.

“Today, you graduates are to be commended,” she said. “To use a swimming analogy, today you jump in a brand new pool and your next race begins.”

Torres was an international sensation when, at 41, she returned to Olympic swimming, intent on winning her first individual gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle in the 2008 Beijing games.

But when the race ended and she looked up from the water, Torres found she missed the gold by just 1/100th of a second.

“Now, trust me, a silver medal was a massive accomplishment, my first individual silver medal after competing in five Olympic Games,” she said. “But at that moment I didn’t know if I’d be OK with second place for the rest of my life.”

And yet, she was. Torres said that only by shooting for gold was she able to earn the silver. The main thing, she urged the graduates, was to go for it, whatever “it” is to them.

“When we aim high, our positive thinking and determination pave the way for unimaginable possibilities,” she said. “Sometimes we achieve greatness that is different from what we envisioned, but it is greatness all the same.”

Celebrating all week

More than 3,600 participants were expected all week as Rowan celebrates Commencement through Thursday with 20 small, by-ticket-only, in-person events.

Dr. Monika Williams Shealey, senior vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, hosted the live program from Wilson Hall, which featured live performances by the Rowan Pep Band, comments from Distinguished Alumnus Larry P. Thomas ’96, and a tribute to Staff Sergeant Brett Hopkins, who, deployed overseas, graduated magna cum laude from the Rohrer College of Business.

Addressing the graduates, Rowan University’s seventh president, Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, said they’re unlike any class to come before, as part of their experience was navigating the pandemic.

“Suddenly, you had to adapt in a totally new way, and not only did you endure, but you thrived,” he said.

He noted that in today’s and future economies, that experience will be crucial.

“It’s absolutely essential for you to be able to pivot,” he said. “Use the training you developed as a result of this pandemic.”

But he also urged them to be careful, online and off.

“Everything you write (on social media) becomes part of your resumé,” the president said. “Use it wisely, and for your betterment.”

Rowan University’s Class of 2021 includes 4,538 graduates at the undergraduate level, 867 at the graduate level, 170 from the School of Osteopathic Medicine and 99 from Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Addressing her fellow graduates as a group for the final time, Student Government Association President Arielle Gedeon, a radio, television & film major who is also president of her sorority and the first Black, female president of the SGA, said their experience at Rowan, especially through the pandemic, is bound to make them stronger.

“Our community has faced many losses, yet through it all we made it,” Gedeon said. “It’s time now for us to leave Rowan University… Be proud of the impact you made…Together we will step out onto new paths, and we will not be afraid.”