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148th Commencement
of Drake University
May 16, 2020

Today, we celebrate you.

We celebrate you, the graduates, and your many accomplishments during your time at Drake University. We celebrate you, the family members who supported these graduates. We celebrate you, the faculty, staff, and mentors who guided them. And we celebrate you, the friends and community members who encouraged them.

Within this website, we present to you the virtual celebration for the Drake University Class of 2020 graduates and together, we celebrate the many accomplishments of this year’s class. Please watch the video below of the conferment of the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees—and then take time to visit your college and/or school’s celebration website.

Video Transcript (PDF)
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Lauren Elizabeth Kennon
 Oreon E. Scott Award Winner 

This award is presented to students receiving the baccalaureate degree, who have attended Drake University for at least four semesters, and who have been of the greatest service to the University during their years at the University.

Select Lauren's photo to watch her speech.
Video Transcript (PDF)

Drake University Spring 2020 Commencement Program

View the program

Download the program

The Blue Tassel

Traditionally, graduates’ caps are adorned with a tassel, in which the color of the tassel denotes the discipline. In 2020, at a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges, and for the first time in University history, all graduates received a commemorative blue tassel with their diploma.

 

The blue tassel is a symbol of unity and hope. It acknowledges the sacrifices and hurdles the Class of 2020 has overcome to ensure the well-being of our community, while also celebrating the pivotal role they will play in rethinking and reshaping the future.

 

The blue tassel captures the resilient spirit of the Class of 2020 and its mantra: “We are all in this together.” The tassel will forever be an extraordinary reminder of the Class of 2020’s collective strength and desire to better the world and will be mailed to all members of the graduating class.

#DearDrake2020

We know that no distance can break the bonds formed at Drake, and the pride we feel for our graduates this semester is immeasurable. Families, friends, and classmates of the Drake Class of 2020 have submitted congratulation messages for graduates below, using #DearDrake2020 so we can all share in the Bulldog spirit.

Now you're a Bulldog for Life
Welcome to a worldwide network of 75,000+
President's Toast

Watch President Martin's toast from Senior Wine and Cheese.

Video Transcript (PDF)

Watch Toast

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