From Richard Pieper:
Metalonians, and others of the class of 2020:
You may not recognize me in the photo, but that’s because I’m not wearing a blue or white dress shirt, and my hair is longer than it was pre-virus. It’s me. Pieper. I want to tell you how much I will miss seeing you and meeting your loved ones in person on Saturday. You have impressed me with your hard work and dedication to learning, and I know that you will go far. Your job right now? Accept the heartfelt congratulations of the faculty and your families, bond with your friends, and devote yourselves to getting past the current crisis. This, too, shall pass. I fully expect that you will email me a metals question in the not too distant future. I’ll be here waiting.
From Monty Freeman:
To the HP Class of 2020: It was wonderful working - and having a good time - with you over the past two years. Congratulations to you all, and all the best of luck in your careers ahead.
From Amanda Trienens:
Congratulations Class of 2020! You’ve survived an exceptional graduate experience in many unexpected ways which is a testament to your dedication and strength. I’m wishing you all the best in your careers to come.
From Paul Bentel:
Congratulations to the soon to be remembered Covid Class of 2020! You have prevailed in a moment of global crisis and international (more or less) solidarity. Think of the completion of your recent academic trajectory as both a personal and collective achievement in a difficult moment. It was a pleasure working with you all. I look forward to hearing about your future successes. Congratulations and my best wishes to you and your families.
From Claudia Kavenagh:
To the HP class of 2020: Congratulations! It has been such a pleasure to see you all grow and mature in your knowledge of our profession, from when I first met you at the start of Studio 1 through the final days of this spring semester. Now I am your colleague, not your teacher, but please know that you can always contact me if I can ever be of help to you. Wishing you all the best!
From Carol Clark:
Bountiful, colossal congratulations to 2020 graduates! What a relief to get that degree and know this monumental semester is over! Imagine how for years to come, when you tell people you graduated in 2020, they will KNOW it was the spring of COVID 19…But each of you has pulled through, despite so many odds, and that is cause for applause. My wish is that everyone of you breathe deeply, and remember how important it is to go easy on yourself, especially when stress still abounds. Meet joy on the moment, and bask in your accomplishment.
From Mary Jablonski:
It has been a strange end to what had promised to be a great semester. For those of you graduating, please know you will get through it. Network with all the alumni out there who are willing to help you. Use all of your contacts. Remember as well, the faculty are also there to lend a helping hand. Do not give up! You have made it this far; you have graduated and you will make it further. I look forward to hearing all of your survival stories.
