On Saturday, May 14, the Elizabethtown College Class of 2022 was recognized for its commitment and dedication to academics and for its resiliency as the class completed its college journey through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You, the graduating class of 2022, have certainly had your share of curveballs and unexpected events during your college career,” Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider addressed the Class of 2022. “Your plans for college probably did not include a pandemic. Yet here you are, graduating and moving forward with the next phase of your lives. You have been successful, not because you followed your original plan but because you adapted your plan to accommodate the unexpected changes.”
View a video of the Class of 2022 Commencement Exercises.
Nearly 550 graduates from all six undergraduate Schools along with the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) were recognized in the Dell alongside family and friends. Alumna, attorney, and advocate, Jennifer Breen Feist, J.D. ’94 served as this year’s Commencement speaker.
“Never underestimate the power you have to change your life, change someone else’s life or change the world,” Feist shared in her remarks to the Class of 2022. “Each of you has value. You are here on this earth for a reason. If you want to climb a mountain, do it. Take one step at a time, but if you keep doing that, you can accomplish anything. You have the ability to change the world.”
An advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare workers, Feist worked to get a federal bill passed in her sister’s memory this year to boost mental health resources for healthcare employees. Feist is the co-founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and sister of Dr. Lorna Breen—who died by suicide after working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 1667), AHA-supported legislation was signed to authorize grants for programs that offer behavioral health services for front-line health care workers.
“Trust your gut,” Feist encouraged graduates during her remarks. “It took me a long time and lots of life experiences to realize I have that gift. It’s something we all have and I hope you have the confidence to trust yourself, recognize your intuition, and use it regularly.”
The ceremony also included remarks delivered by Class of 2022 President Nichole Greiner ’22, Board of Trustee, Nevin Cooley, Alumni Association President and Board of Trustee, Ryan Unger ’01, and an invocation and benediction offered by Campus Rev. Amy Shorner-Johnson. Music was provided by members of the Class of 2022. You can view the ceremony in its entirety at etown.edu.
View a slideshow of photos below.
