DE PERE (NBC 26) — Graduates from St. Norbert college marched to the sound of pomp and circumstance as they were able to finally have an in-person commencement ceremony this year.
The ceremony took place Sunday outdoors on the college campus.
Watch below to get a feel for what graduation day looked like:
School officials made the decision in March to have an in-person ceremony this year. Last year's commencement was held virtually due to COVID.
Despite the challenges over the last year, graduates were seen with smiling faces as they walked across the stage and received their diploma in hand.
For one student receiving her degree, she said it means the world to her, as just eight years ago she first stepped foot in the United States as a refugee from Uganda.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for four years and on top of that, I’m the first person in my family to graduate from college and also the first woman so...I feel like it’s a lot of things to step up to, so I’m feeling happy,” said Najma Ahmed.
Watch below to listen to what Ahmed plans on doing after graduation. HINT: She already has a job lined up. Learn where:
For another graduate Marcus Williams, he received his degree in Political Science.
“I grew up in foster care all my life, for the most part, bounced around from home to home for quite a bit of time. Since I came to St. Norbert I’ve studied Political Science because eventually, I want to go back and help children from where I come from, whether it's the same socio-economic background or just cultural background, I want to change the system for the better for everybody, whether what they look like or what they don’t look like,” said Marcus.
Watch below to hear from Williams on what his sash represents:
“My advice for those kids coming from where I come from are never set limits for yourself, despite your background, despite how you started, it’s not about how you started but how you finish. I’m a firm believer of work hard, dream big, anything is possible no matter what as long as you put your head down and work. The possibilities in life are endless kids and just keep working hard no matter what,” Williams said.
To learn more about the design of his graduation cap, watch below.
Williams says the college president and his wife actually made it for him:
Here are a few more graduation caps that were seen at commencement:
Congrats to all the 2021 graduates!
And they're official! The tassels have been moved and we have a new class of St. Norbert graduates to celebrate. Congratulations, Class of 2021! We are so excited to see what you accomplish next! #SNCgrad #ClassOf2021 pic.twitter.com/VCjqEINrZU
— St. Norbert College (@stnorbert) May 16, 2021
