Recent college graduation experiences from the class of 2019 have captured the hearts of those on social media. The internet community has witnessed everything from the admirable list of inspiring accomplishments that have Black excellence written all over them to the emotional celebrity commencement speeches that have encouraged all in attendance. Collectively, most of these special commencement images have created viral tearjerkers and warmed our hearts. Here's a look at some of the best 2019 graduation moments shared online.
1.) Mom And Son's Surprise Double-Graduation Ceremony
Sharonda Wilson skipped her own graduation ceremony to attend her son Stephan’s, which was reportedly scheduled for the same day. However, Wilson wasn't expecting to be honored at her son's school with a graduation cap and degree waiting for her, which captured the perfect moment of a mom being rewarded for her sacrifice.
To attend her son Stephan’s commencement ceremony, Sharonda Wilson was unable to attend her own from Ferris State University. Learning this, @cmichprez contacted FSU President Eisler and was able to confer her degree on behalf of FSU's president and trustees. #cmichgraduation
pic.twitter.com/anCSTHDCdC— Central Michigan U. (@CMUniversity) May 4, 2019
2.) #BlackGirlMagic At Berkeley
Check out this Black girl excellence reminder for our timelines: Camille Harris was the only Black person to graduate from Berkeley’s Computer Science department this year.
Camile is the only Black graduate of Berkeley’s Computer Science department this year.
She’s the third Black person in the last five years… https://t.co/5Gc9I01jQt
— زينب (@izaynab) May 23, 2019
However, she used the inspiring yet unfortunate fact to shed some humor on her Twitter page.
Me trying to find another black person at my commencement ceremony. pic.twitter.com/PlIs1NY2Qj
— Camille Harris (@ill__camille) May 23, 2019
3.) 24-Year-Old Mom Graduates From Harvard Law School
Briana Williams, a recent graduate from Harvard Law School, has proven that women can reach their dreams while being a single mother. Williams became pregnant in 2017 before finishing her law degree, and reportedly went into labor during her final exam period.
Williams' graduation represents perseverance and teaches others to strive for their goals.
4.) Billionaire Pledges To Pay Off Student Loan Debt
During his commencement speech at Morehouse College, Robert Smith, CEO of Vista Equity Partners, promised to pay off the student loan debt for the class of 2019. Smith’s generosity made waves on social media, receiving praise from those who still have student loan debt and understand the tremendous burden Smith lifted for those graduates.
5.) West Point Graduates Its Largest Number of Black Women
West Point recently graduated 34 Black women, which is the most in the school's history. The image of the Black graduates not only represents women empowerment in the military, but it also emotes the essence of Black pride (despite Vice President Mike Pence being the commencement speaker).
34 black women are expected to graduate from West Point next week.
That will be the largest class of African-American women to graduate together in the military academy's lengthy history, a West Point spokesman said. https://t.co/2lM7Q35rYm
— CNN (@CNN) May 18, 2019
6.) LSU Graduate Pays Tribute To His Deceased Father
As much as graduation can be about celebrating one’s own academic achievements, it can also be a time to honor those who have passed away, especially if they helped support your educational journey along the way. In this touching tweet, this LSU grad credits his father, who passed away from cancer, as the person who made his accomplishments possible.
I am not a victim of cancer, but a survivor of its impact. This one is for you dad.????????
4 years later:
✅ BA in Biological Engineering
✅ Sean O’Keefe Leadership Award
✅ 3rd African American Student Body President
✅ @LSU Board of Supervisors???? @drake_bou
#BlackMenGraduate
pic.twitter.com/1xJKBBaRWm— Stewart Lockett (@stew_lock) May 9, 2019
7.) A Nipsey Hussle-Inspired Graduation Cap
The 2019 graduation season provided a perfect opportunity for fans to pay homage to the late Nipsey Hussle. Empowering messages and themes from Nipsey Hussle’s debut album Victory Lap, such as the importance of working hard and giving back to the community, inspired this fan to celebrate their personal victory lap in style.
8.) The Graduation Turn Up
Dancing your way to your degree during a graduation ceremony certainly reflects the importance of the moment. Along with several others around the web, these graduates expressed their excitement for this academic milestone by turning up on the way to accept their diplomas.
C/O 2019 ????????????, Hooded shawty ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JxPXsiLLj4
— Kenisha (@Neesh_Neeesh) May 19, 2019
9.) Yale Graduate Makes History
Black girls never fail to inspire. Osase Omoruyi became the second Black woman to graduate from Yale with a degree in astrophysics. She even included a bit of Nigerian humor to conclude her announcement.
last week i became the 2nd Black woman to graduate from yale with a b.s. in astrophysics, and i also won my department's prize :’)
*neither degree nor prize are pictured bc my nigerian parents swiftly carried *their* degree and prize home ???? pic.twitter.com/0B0bZF0zxv
— osase thee astronomer (@astroafro) May 27, 2019
10.) Black Love
Graduating with the one you love can make the moment more worthwhile. The chemistry between these two University of Missouri graduates would make anyone want to have a college sweetheart.
Leaving Mizzou with a lot more than a degree ???? ???? #blacklove
#blackgraduates
pic.twitter.com/aW505is2bm— Donovan Patterson (@StudentOfGreats) May 22, 2019
By sharing their success stories on social media, the class of 2019 has created memorable and inspirational experiences for the world to witness. Furthermore, the viral moments provide various representations of students that go beyond the traditional perception of a college graduate. Their stories mainly offer a reminder for people to never give up on their goals, regardless of their circumstances.
Congratulations to the class of 2019!
