As the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center sat empty, Marietta College’s Class of 2020 still found a way to graduate on Sunday afternoon.
While the College still plans to conduct an on-campus graduation ceremony at a later date, the Class of 2020 was recognized during a virtual Commencement ceremony that students, family and friends watched from their homes.
Marietta College welcomed approximately 175 graduates into The Long Blue Line as President Bill Ruud and Provost Janet Bland hosted the virtual commencement ceremony. Ruud, Bland, along with Chairman of the Board of Trustees George Fenton and Student Government Association President Katie Kitchen ’21 conducted the ceremony from the Alma McDonough Auditorium.
Johnathan Kungle (Uniontown, Ohio), who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering, was the class valedictorian, while Alexandra Kirsch (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, was the salutatorian.
The Jewett Orations were not presented during the virtual program, so they will be part of the traditional Commencement ceremony at a later date. The College did honor this year’s top two finishers on Sunday. Ryan Menapace (Galena, Ohio), who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, took the top spot, while Ashley Olszewski (Elyria, Ohio), who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, finished second.
The Class of 2020 honored one faculty member — Dr. Michael Tager, Professor of Political Science — with the Outstanding Faculty Award.
Abigail Swallow (Beallsville, Ohio) and Rachel Ewing (Stockton, California) presented the Senior Class Challenge. The senior class made a gift of $2,023.40 to The Marietta Fund — surpassing their goal of $2,020.