The Class of 2020 will always hold a special place in the history of our alma mater. Our spring graduates have demonstrated, given the unforeseen obstacles of this semester, that they can overcome adversity and pivot to new ways of learning. Vandals have done this work while spending the final two months completing their courses online due to COVID-19. More than 1,600 will earn their degree after this week’s final exams, the largest spring class in the past five years. They’ve followed their passions and have put in long hours to achieve their goals. Many have jobs lined up, and others have plans to continue at the University of Idaho for graduate school. They’ve done this hard work during unprecedented times and still found ways to help the community and the state of Idaho. Dillon Alexander is one of those students. Originally from New Mexico, Dillon relocated to Idaho to pursue a double major in both fire ecology and management, and forestry. He wanted to better understand fire management and the ecological health of natural landscapes across North America; and he knew he wanted to do that at the University of Idaho. He found a U of I education "enhanced my skills in professional communication, collaboration with other professionals, writing and interpreting prescribed fire plans," and helped him develop a concrete understanding of fire management and forestry practices. Dillon fought fires as a student with the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association, where he’s being hired on full time. He will assist in fire and hazard management, administrative duties and supervision of seasonal employees in his new position, which begins after graduation. Graduates like Dillon have worked hard to join the ranks of our more than 110,000 Vandal alumni. These Vandals are entering the next phase of their lives after graduating from a university that has the highest average starting salary of any public college or university in the state. Even in these uncertain and challenging economic times, a Vandal degree holds so much promise. It’s unfortunate we can’t celebrate the Class of 2020 in person this weekend, but their achievements won’t go unnoticed. Each graduate will receive a “Celebration in a Box” in the mail with the diploma cover they would have received at our ceremony, as well as an event program and some Vandal-themed gear. It's our way of honoring this milestone while being cognizant of the realities surrounding COVID-19. I’m looking forward to the moment we can congratulate each and every member of the Class of 2020 in person at a Summer Commencement ceremony Saturday, Aug. 1. Summer Commencement will also be a return to the new normal, just a few weeks before we begin in-person fall classes. The vibrant buzz of students is what makes our university whole, and I’m looking forward to its return. Until then, congratulations to the Class of 2020! We are proud of you and all the work you’ve done to earn your University of Idaho diploma. |