Bentley Graduates Overcome Tumultuous Circumstances To Earn Degrees

WALTHAM, MA — Bentley University's class of 2024 happily spent their commencement ceremony in one way that was unique to their freshman year on campus: without masks and in-person.

Roughly 900 undergraduates officially earned their degrees and status as college graduates after the university's 105th commencement address over the weekend.

They began their college career in 2020, when their academic — and personal — world was flipped upside down as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world.

"Class of 2024, making it to commencement is never certain, but you have jumped more hurdles, complied with more protocols and dealt with more ambiguities than is to be expected in four years of college; and that accomplishment deserves recognition today,” Bentley President E. LaBrent Chrite said.

Keynote speaker Joe Preston, president and CEO of New Balance, also spoke to the circumstances dealt to the graduating class.

"Years from now, society is going to be most curious about the Class of 2024: how you handled the adversity, how you’ve grown and how your contributions are impacting the world," said Preston.

"What you have endured and accomplished says a lot about your potential — certainly as a business leader and most importantly as a person."

About 7,500 people attended the ceremony. For more on the scenes of the day, click here.