The Class of 2020 on Graduating in a Global Pandemic
Graduation for our Condé Nast College graduates, across the Masters, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication course and Vogue Foundation programmes received their accolades to join the Class of 2020 in a novel and never been done before way, via Zoom. Documenting the unforgettable ceremony, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication graduate, and winner of the Outstanding Academic Achievement award, Alice Morey reports on the celebration.
Finishing the final two terms of studies over Zoom, it only seems fitting that graduation followed suit, where celebrations were carried out over the now overly familiar setting of the computer screen, with a group of faces geometrically arranged on a pixelated screen. Except this time, there were no caps, gowns or obligatory photos in front of the iconic Condé Nast College sign. While traditions were forced to change, nothing could taint the gathering of the CNC community, coming together to celebrate the achievements of all the students. As an international cohort, now accustomed to navigating unexpected restrictions and working barriers, we were now all joined through celebration of our academic success spanning times zones all across the world.
Nick Isles, CEO of Condé Nast College, welcomed graduates, their family and friends, staff and Guest of Honour, Roger Lynch, the first Global and current CEO of Condé Nast to the proceedings followed by an address from the Vice Chancellor at the University of Buckingham. A common theme across all of the speeches was the unique circumstances surrounding the end of the degree; the tenacity from the students to come up with new and innovative solutions to complete their respective courses. It was a moment to celebrate not only the acceptance of our degrees, but of the camaraderie and friendships formed over the two years from the trips, to group projects and the solidarity of experiencing deadlines together. Friendships that would become vital in helping each other through the end of the course and subsequent challenges, steering a stagnant job market and a creative arena adjusting and adapting to a new phygital prerogative.
Course leaders announced the names of their graduating classes and awarded prizes for academic achievement and the celebration was drawn to a close with messages of encouragement from Dylan Jones Editor-in-chief of GQ, Deborah Joseph Editor-in-chief of Glamour and Andrew Diprose, Group Creative Director for WIRED. With a final film, created by the students and edited by Duck Productions under the theme of ‘Adaption,’ the digital montage documented the journey amongst students going into lockdown all over the globe, working on their final assignments and contemplating life after graduation.
Watch the Class of 2020 Graduation Video
Akin to the feelings induced by the end of 2020, a time of sporadic changes and calls to think on your feet, the achievement of our degrees was now reached. There is now hope and optimism for the future. A feeling of confidence as we conquered and faced challenges in the most turbulent of circumstances. And, while there will be a time when we all get to meet again and do it properly, our Zoom Graduation in the meantime, for all its chaos was wonderful.
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