Chattanooga State’s Class of 2020 premiered its Virtual Commencement Ceremony on August 1. “Our students have worked hard to achieve academic and personal milestones,” stated Debbie Adams, vice president of student affairs.  

Opening remarks by Chattanooga State President Dr. Rebecca Ashford emphasized the challenges and perseverance that the class of 2020 faced by saying, “You will go down in history as the Chattanooga State class that arguably overcame more challenges and persevered more than any other class in our 54-year history.”

When Dr. Ashford introduced Katrina Griffin, the 2020 commencement speaker, she used the words “challenges and perseverance’ to describe Katrina’s personal and college experience that led to her success. As Katrina began her speech, she described her feelings of insecurity at having already twice failed in college and the barriers she experienced before being able to return. With the help of her advisor, instructors and adult services personnel, financial assistance from Tennessee Reconnect, and her own perseverance, Katrina graduated in December 2019 and currently attends MTSU.

The Class of 2020 graduates are featured by Academic Division in the virtual ceremony. Graduates were invited to submit a photo or attend a private graduation ceremony on campus the week of July 20 for a professional photo to be taken. Those graduates who participated in the socially distanced ceremony literally walked across the stage to receive their diploma. Private ceremonies were scheduled every hour, with no more than 15 graduates and up to six guests at each ceremony.

Graduates, family and friends may view the 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony at https://bit.ly/2ED9i34.