“You’ve persevered and become even stronger,” Chancellor Lee H. Roberts told graduating Tar Heels at the Dec. 15 ceremony.
By Kristen Grant, University Communications
More than 1,800 of Carolina’s newest graduates turned their tassels and threw their Carolina Blue caps in the air Sunday afternoon at the Dean E. Smith Center. The Dec. 15 Winter Commencement ceremony brought together students, faculty, friends and family to celebrate years of graduates’ hard work and a Carolina experience that, as Chancellor Lee H. Roberts remarked, undoubtedly shaped their future.
Presiding over the ceremony, Roberts likened each graduate’s journey to the formation of a volcanic rock, referencing a favorite item in his office.
“Rocks are formed under immense heat and pressure, just as you have been shaped by challenges, expectations and the rigorous demands of your academic journey,” said Roberts. “Through these challenges, you’ve persevered and become even stronger.”
Roberts emphasized the many experiences graduates had at Carolina that helped to prepare them for the next chapter.
“You’ve forged long-lasting friendships, taken the advice of mentors and responded to the environment around you. These external factors have smoothed rough edges and helped shape you into the authentic and unique individual you are today,” he added. “Go forward with courage and purpose, and the unwavering belief that you have the skills to shape the future. We are so proud of you.”
Before introducing the event’s speaker, Senior Class President Timothy McLendon offered congratulations to his fellow graduates, acknowledging the trials and triumphs the Class of 2024 experienced.
“To my fellow Tar Heels sitting in front of me, I say to you, ‘Bravo.’ Bravo for having the gall to persevere, bravo for having the urge to succeed,” he said. “Years ago, you decided to chart a course for an uncertain path, not letting anything stand in your way to reach this point. And being a senior myself, starting my freshman year in the unpredictable midst of a global pandemic, I know this was no easy feat.”
