*trumpet playing Pomp and Circumstance*
Hey class of 2020!
Hey class of 2020.
Dear class of 2020, what a year it has been!
I want to say first of all how proud we are of you.
You really did make it to the stars
through difficulties this semester!
You persevered through a very tough time
this past spring semester,
and you've got it done.
Boy, you made it through some challenging times.
But then, that's what Jayhawks do.
You are Jayhawks, and Jayhawks are fighters.
You have grit, perseverance, determination,
and have graduated in extraordinary circumstances.
And, of course, this is a strange time
where you're probably not going to be able to
celebrate in the manner in which you
always dreamed you would.
But that, in no way, shape or form,
should diminish your accomplishments
here at the University of Kansas.
You've accomplished so much during your time at KU.
We admire and are proud of your perseverance.
You should be so proud of yourselves
for the resilience you showed, the dedication,
the commitment all throughout your entire degree program,
but particularly this spring.
That resilience will carry you a long way in life.
This class is really a very memorable class for me.
You know I hate graduation every year
because I have to say goodbye to so many friends.
I particularly hate it this year because
I don't even get to say goodbye.
While I'm sad we can't be walking down the hill together this year,
I'm so proud of all of the work you've done.
I'm so proud of your hard work, dedication, and tenacity.
So proud of you!
We are proud of your many accomplishments.
As you go forward into this world of uncertainty,
remember your training, gather your strength,
and help make us stronger.
You are the next wave of Kansas heroes.
You're going to go out and change the world.
Don't forget that you're always a part of the KU family.
You've now joined the best club there is: the Jayhawk alum.
I've loved working with you every minute since orientation
and I can't wait to work with you as alumni.
Once a Jayhawk, always a Jayhawk!
Remember your nest, return to it often,
and never forget this unique bird that has set you free.
I want to give a particular shoutout
to my fellow first-generation college students.
It is a huge deal, I'm very proud of you,
and I wish you the best of luck in the next stage.
If I gave you one piece of advice,
protect your dreams ferociously.
And be kind along the way.
Best of luck as you take on
the challenges both on and off this planet.
I hope you'll go out there
and make a difference in this world.
Don't forget to keep learning.
After the degree is done, there's still so much out there
for you to know, and for you to discover,
and for you to innovate on.
You're a constant reminder that
great things come to those who never give up.
Go make a difference.
Just know that a degree from Kansas will take you places
that maybe you never dreamed you would go.
We wish you all congratulations
and the very best to each and every one of you.
Congratulations to the class of 2020!
Congratulations class of 2020!
Congrats KU grads!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to all of our graduating seniors.
Congratulations!
Go Jayhawks!
Congratulations Jayhawks!
Congratulations graduates!
Way to go, you did it!
They said it wouldn't happen but it did.
God bless.
Way to go!
All your hard work paid off.
Now go out there and chase your dreams!
Class of 2020, what's up?
This is Devonte' Graham.
I just wanted to congratulate you guys
on an amazing accomplishment,
lifelong accomplishment: graduating.
I remember like yesterday getting my diploma,
so you know, you guys should be extremely
proud of the hard work that y'all put in.
May your future be as creative, resilient, and as fabulous as you are.
My advice?
Sit down and strap in because
if you're very, very lucky,
you're going to be on a long, long ride.
So get out there and rock your chalk!
Rock Chalk!
Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!
Rock Chalk!
Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!