AU’s Fall 2021 Commencement ceremony shows over 800 graduates

By Rakiyah Lenon | Co-editor in chief

Augusta University held the Fall 2021 Commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 10, at the James Brown Arena.

Family and friends of the graduates came to show support and recognize them for their achievements.

AU’s President Brooks Keel gave remarks during the commencement and took photos with the graduates.

“After what has been a truly unprecedented year, your class has overcome countless changes and challenges with compassion, integrity, and leadership—making you true Augusta University Jaguars,” Keel said In regards to the accomplishment of graduating students.

Dr. Annette Rainge, president of the Georgia Dental Association, addressed the graduating class. She acknowledged the achievement of graduating despite the unpredictability of current events.

“You received your education without compromising the quality of the education you received,” she said. “You navigated through tough times. You became more focused on the important things in life and here you are. You made history.”

Shayla Riley-Dorsey, a kinesiology major, was the student speaker.

Provost Neil MacKinnon introduced the candidates for graduation from the Graduate School, College of Nursing, College of Allied Health Sciences, College of Education, College of Science and Mathematics, Hull College of Business, School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, and the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

This fall, there were 879 graduates from over 50 majors across 10 colleges.

A livestream of the ceremony was provided for those who could not attend in-person. A recording of the ceremony is expected to be uploaded soon at the following link: https://www.augusta.edu/graduation/commencement/ .

See more photos from the ceremony in the slideshow below. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)