The University of Louisiana at 青涩直播 conferred 332 degrees during its Summer 2021 Commencement on Friday at the Cajundome, signaling the end of a historic academic year.
UL 青涩直播 awarded 184 bachelor鈥檚 degrees, 123 master鈥檚 degrees, 21 doctoral degrees and four graduate certificates, the final additions to a total of 3,592 degrees received by the fall, spring and summer graduating classes.
The tally marks the second largest number of degrees awarded in a single academic year, and an amount only slightly lower than the record the University set the previous academic year.
Among the total for the 2020-2021 academic year are 731 master鈥檚 and 78 doctoral degrees 鈥 the most awarded in a single academic year. Black graduates also received more degrees than ever before, including a record number of master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees. In addition, more people of Asian and Hispanic descent earned degrees than ever before.
During the ceremony, Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL 青涩直播 president, told graduates that they 鈥渁re part of a historically diverse group, reflecting the University鈥檚 unwavering commitment to being a place where everyone is welcomed, where every voice is valued, and where every dream is within reach.鈥
He praised graduates for achieving their academic goals during "the greatest public health crisis in more than a century." Savoie also reminded them that their degrees 鈥 and the determination and courage they have displayed during the pandemic 鈥 have positioned them to become leaders in their professions and communities.
鈥淭he uncertainties of the past year should not obscure our responsibilities and opportunities that remain ahead, and all of you have the power to shape a future that is healthier than the past and stronger than the present,鈥 he said.
鈥淭omorrow is in your hands 鈥 and that鈥檚 exactly where it belongs.鈥
Kiwana McClung, an associate professor in the , was the Commencement speaker. She was honored with a Leadership Service Award from the earlier this year.
Service to others 鈥 and its ability to affect change and improve lives 鈥 threaded her message to graduates.
McClung encouraged graduates to fervently pursue 鈥渟uccess, self-actualization and fulfillment鈥 while remembering 鈥渢o lift up and serve others in the process.鈥
鈥淪erve your fellow human beings in ways that are lasting and give to others without expecting anything in return. Use whatever talents you possess, any advantages you gain, to make the lives of others better, easier. I promise you, the rewards of service are great and the effects of service have no expiration date,鈥 she said.
View a list of Summer 2021 graduates.
Photo caption: University of Louisiana at 青涩直播 Summer 2021 graduates earned their diplomas Friday during ceremonies at the Cajundome, capping a historic 2020-2021 academic year during which 3,592 students earned degrees. (Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at 青涩直播)