Baylor University celebrates 2020-21 graduates
Baylor University celebrated more than 7,500 graduates of the classes of 2020 and 2021 during six in-person commencement ceremonies May 6-8 at McLane Stadium on the banks of the Brazos River. The following local students were among those earning degrees:
Chace Michelle Holmes, of Canyon Country, bachelor of science in nursing, Louise Herrington School of Nursing,
May 2020.
Julianna Heather Marshall, of Newhall, bachelor of science in nursing, Louise Herrington School of Nursing, May 2021. Margaret Qiu Han Chang, of Santa Clarita, bachelor of science in education, health science studies, Robbins College of Health & Human Sciences, May 2021. Marlissa Barbara Jean Frey, of Santa Clarita, master of science, nutrition sciences, Graduate School, May 2021. Shelby Rae Boswell, of Saugus, bachelor of arts, political science, College of Arts & Sciences, May 2020.
Jacob Cuevas, of Stevenson Ranch, bachelor of science, biology, College of
Arts & Sciences, December 2020. Brianna J. Coleman, of Valencia, bachelor of arts, communication, August 2020. Leslie Christina Valera, of Valencia, bachelor of business administration, management, cum laude, Hankamer School of Business, May 2021.
Kat Waschak, of Valencia, master of science in education, higher education and student affairs, Graduate School, May 2021.
President Linda A. Livingstone presided over the outdoor ceremonies that honored nearly 2,800 spring 2021 Baylor graduates, as well as more than 4,700 May, August and December 2020 graduates, whose ceremonies were canceled or held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The commencement ceremonies also were the first held outdoors at Baylor since May 27, 1955, when graduation was held in what was then called Baylor Stadium (later renamed
Floyd Casey Stadium).
“Amidst all the change in our students’ lives, one thing hasn’t changed. They are all Baylor Bears. They are united by that shared experience, and they have something to celebrate together,” Livingstone said. “It’s a unique time of life, and one worth celebrating our graduates’ hard work and accomplishments to the fullest-even if that celebration was delayed for a year.”
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50
states and more than 90 countries.