Birmingham-Southern College’s 2020 Commencement was held as a series of four ceremonies on Aug. 7 and 8 in Bill Battle Coliseum to celebrate the Class of 2020. Typically held in May, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the summer, BSC staff reworked the 161^st annual event to allow for limited participants and guests, social distancing, and mask requirements. Two ceremonies were held each day. Each ceremony incorporated Capping, an event typically held the day before Commencement during which graduates choose a mentor, family member, or friend to place the mortarboard on their head and honor the influence they’ve had on them.

The Class of 2020 will take on new challenges, from graduate and professional school to business opportunities to teaching and nonprofit work, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.

Featured speaker Dr. Megan Gibbons, professor of biology, acknowledged that the final term of this class’s time at BSC was like no other before.

“I’m so sorry that happened to you. It happened to you and every other graduating senior across the country. I’m glad we’re here today. It can provide some closure. It’s not what any of us imagined but it’s something,” she said. “The world we used to know is taking a pause – or maybe the world will never be the same after this. Maybe this pause will change how you see yourself.”

Gibbons said graduates of today must think about the impact they can have on the world and how they will fit into the chaos.

“You all have to look at the world differently now, and you are an important part of it. Because you are graduating from BSC, you have all the tools you need. You, as the first set of graduates in this mess, are in a unique position to make the world what you want it to be.”

During each of the four ceremonies, Provost Dr. Brad Caskey named Dr. Amy Cottrill, Denson N. Franklin Associate Professor of Religion, as the 2020 Outstanding Educator of the Year. Cottrill, who has been teaching at the College since 2007, will serve as the 2021 Commencement speaker.

Other platform participants included BSC President Daniel B. Coleman and BSC Chaplain Rev. Julie Blackwelder Holly ’01. BSC Joseph Hugh Thomas Professor of Music Dr. Lester Seigel ’79 played the piano. After the awarding of diplomas, Jennifer Waters ’86, director of alumni engagement, welcomed graduates to the alumni community.

“All of you, in your own unique way – through your spirit, your intellect, and your enthusiasm – have left your mark on this community,” Waters said. “Welcome to a community of alumni who are living and working all over the globe. We are contributing to our communities in so many ways and, I like to believe, improving each one. Forward, Ever – it’s a phrase that guides us; it’s a hashtag on social media; it’s a footnote in an email. It’s a mindset of our alumni community and for this moment in history as you leave this place to enter our world. It’s a philosophy to carry with you and live into. Forward, Ever.”

View our 2020 Commencement photo album here.

You can also view recordings of each ceremony:
Friday Commencement No. 1
Friday Commencement No. 2
Saturday Commencement No. 1
Saturday Commencement No. 2