In an April 23, 2021 memo, Chancellor Henry T. Yang announced plans for UCSB’s annual commencement ceremony, including the exciting news that Oprah Winfrey will be the keynote speaker. Oprah has delivered many inspiring addresses in recent years including Smith College and Harvard commencements. Oprah’s way of organizing her key points provides a template for each of us who want to acknowledge the meaning of commencement.
This has not been a normal school year, full of uncertainty, adjustments, and disappointments. It behooves us to pay special attention to the graduates we know, especially the High School graduates. After all, without in-person classes, peer relationships have weakened. For seniors, SAT tests have been canceled due to the pandemic, adding to anxiety about their ability to compete for admission to chosen colleges. Tickets to commencement are limited. Family parties are smaller than usual. All the more reason to find a way to make it a big deal, expressing your heartiest congratulations to any graduate who has persevered.
Do you know someone in the class of 2021? You may want to consider expressing your congratulations to the graduate and his/her/their family in writing, perhaps via an email or even a handwritten letter sent via USPS.