Graduates, please stand. At this time, please join with your classmates to recognize this momentous achievement in your lives. As scholars and practitioners who have received bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, you may now grasp your tassels and move them to the left side.
Today, as you venture out into the world as Walden graduates, you also join the proud community of Walden University alumni – a network of more than 34,000 professionals who share your desire to make an impact on the world. As alumni, please speak well of us. And send us more students just like you.
There are others present here today and spread around the world celebrating your accomplishment via our live webcast who deserve recognition. Those of you who have just had your degrees conferred upon you know that you are here primarily – but not solely – as the result of your sacrifices and efforts. Others close to you have had a hand in your success, and it is now, in your moment of accomplishment, that you have the opportunity to let them know collectively and publicly what their love, support and interminable patience has meant to you. Would our graduates please stand, wherever you may be, face your loved ones, and give these terrific people a round of applause for their support.
This concludes our formal celebration of the accomplishments of this Walden University graduating class. We cordially invite the graduates, their families and friends, and all guests at this ceremony, to join the Board of Directors, faculty, and administration at a brief reception in honor of our graduates. For those joining us via webcast, please stay online to watch as we scroll the names of all graduates.
I ask the audience to remain in place until the academic procession has recessed. And now, would Grand Marshal Burkholder, please lead us in recessing this gathering of scholars until the next appointed time.