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ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ treated the thirty-nine students, as well as some members of the staff and faculty, to a reception and dinner catered by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ Dining.

President Clayton Rose offered a few words of praise and reflection after the main meal and before the final course, a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ log—the College's traditional and beloved chocolate dessert. "I don't remember the last time I had a log," Rose said in anticipation of the treat. "Thank you, Dining. And thank you, Completers."

He turned his full attention to the seniors: "You all chose to spend time away, largely because of COVID. Clearly, these have been—and continue to be—unusual times for all of us."

Yet despite the disruptions, the students gathered in Main Lounge had all achieved their goal of an undergraduate education. "In the face of these challenges you have shown amazing resilience, grit, character, determination, good cheer, good will, and a strong sense of community," Rose said. "This is why five years, six years ago, we wanted you to come here and why you are so special."

Jen Scanlon, senior vice president and dean for academic affairs, invited the students to stand up and share a few words about themselves and what they will carry in their hearts from their time at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾.

Here's a sampling of their comments:

Drake Byrd ’21 stood up first: "One important thing I've picked up [here] is the ability to empathize with other people, to understand we come from different walks of life...and how to enjoy and celebrate each other."

Connor Staubley ’21: "I would do anything for anybody here. This place is so special. ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ taught me the value of friendship."

Aine Lawlor ’21: "I know a lot more about what love and care mean to me, and what I want to keep in my life."

Jason Park ’20: "The one thing I'll take away from ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ is the community. All the experiences and relationships I have had here have shaped who I am...And I hope to stay in Maine and contribute to this great state. I've come to love this place."

Sophia Schnauck ’22: "One thing I'm taking away from here is that ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ gave me a lot of courage to continue what I'm doing now [studying physics and math] and a support network of friends and professors." 

Maddie Ferrucci ’21: "I feel like I've made a new family here and we can get through anything together."

George Walker ’21: "It's the people I'll be taking away—the friends I admire and look up to and want to be more like. That goes for roommates and professors."

Will Savage ’21: "What I will take away from ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ is the sense of community and belonging. I'll be looking to replicate that for the rest of my life."