How We Got Here | Commencement 2024

William & Mary’s Class of 2024 will forever be known for “finding a way.” A way through the COVID-19 pandemic and all of its uncertainties. A way through deep divisions and conflict within the country and around the world. A way through individual challenges and struggles, of which others may never be aware.

Despite it all, they persevered to receive the most personal education of any public university in the country. At Commencement, their resilience was rewarded as they celebrated the completion of their degrees.

Approximately 2,800 graduates participated in the Commencement festivities, witnessed by around 12,000 family members and friends. Judge John Charles Thomas, the first African American and youngest appointee to the Supreme Court of Virginia, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Correnthia Randolph M.Ed. ’24, who was selected as this year’s student speaker, talked about the trials that she and her fellow graduates faced throughout the last few years and the support they received.