Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Today was a day of great celebration, as FAU hosted its first in-person commencement ceremonies since December 2019. Two ceremonies took place outdoors at FAU Stadium and followed all social distancing guidelines.

Our 3,265 spring graduates range in age from 17 to 71 and represent 53 countries. More than one-third of the members of this class are the first in their families to earn a college degree.

At our 5 p.m. ceremony, we heard a special address by Dr. Michael Metzner, who was inducted into the FAU Alumni Hall of Fame this week. Dr. Metzner graduated from the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College in 2012. As a medical advisor and associate producer for the ABC TV show “Grey’s Anatomy,” he works with the writers, directors and actors to produce the most realistic and captivating stories each week.

I know the past year was not what our graduates imagined when they began their journeys here at FAU, and I commend their perseverance during this unprecedented time. It was wonderful to be able to gather — at long last — to celebrate this much-anticipated occasion with them and their families.

Congratulations, Class of 2021! We are very proud of you.