College officials spoke about how the class has overcome unique challenges and embraced diversity and progress, making them a class reflective of the current time.

“There were 334 when you participated in new student convocation right here on this quad, wearing masks,” said Dr. Kent Trachte, president of Lycoming College. “Your class was one of the most diverse in the college’s history.”

Trachte said this was a class that was 40% domestic students of color, 25% first-generation college students, and representing 18 different states.

“Your determination to have a residential college experience was evident when you chose to come to campus in the fall of 2020,” he said. “As you will remember all too well, the global pandemic was in its first stage … But by persisting and completing that unprecedented first year, you demonstrated as a class that you have learned to navigate and overcome adversity.”

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Wellsboro native Cathryn Brought presents the "Greetings from the Senior Class" during Lycoming College's 176th Annual Commencement Saturday. Cathryn was chosen by the class to make the presentation.

Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter gave the commencement address after being awarded an Honorary degree of Doctorate of Laws from the college.

“But today is your day,” Slaughter said, addressing the Class of 2024. “You arrived here from different places and backgrounds. Some of you came from big cities to the small rural town of Williamsport. Others came from small rural towns to the big city of Williamsport.”

Asking students to reminisce on those unsure and nervous moments they first arrived on campus, Slaughter began to talk about the future.

“I am sure you are having some of those same feelings at this very moment,” he said. “I want to reassure you you have earned the skills necessary to your success. But know that your future success will also depend on you never settling.”

Slaughter looked back at some highlights of his own path from studying abroad, to teaching math at the high school and collegiate level, coaching and onward.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Wellsboro native Cathryn Brought takes the requested class selfie before giving the "Greetings from the Senior Class" during Lycoming College's 176th Annual Commencement Saturday. Cathryn was chosen by the class to make the presentation.

“And I definitely wouldn’t have believed that I would be an elected member of my home town city council and then go on to become the first mayor of color in Williamsport’s history,” Slaughter said. “But it happened. It happened because I never got comfortable. I never settled. I never felt like I had arrived.”

“This is my charge to you,” Slaughter said. “Do not let others determine your maximum ability,” Slaughter said. “People will try to set limits on what they think you can accomplish. Let them try, but only let them try.”

Slaughter highlighted the ongoing relationship between the college and the city in projects and efforts to revitalize and enrich the area, including Krapf Gateway Center, the Tracthe Music Center, and the newest Brandon Park baseball field renovation.

“The city of Williamsport proudly stands behind you,” he said. “Your contributions to the city during your time as a student are valued.”

Addressing her fellow classmates, Cathryn Brought looked back on her time at the college, but mostly focused on what she titled “The Road Ahead” in her speech.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Members of Lycoming's Class of 2024 pop confetti tubes at the conclusion of Lycoming College's 176th Annual Commencement Saturday.

“There are similar emotions surrounding this milestone for all of us today,” Brought said. “We haven’t yet fully realized the tremendous benefit of the liberal arts education we’ve been afforded here at Lycoming College.”

Speaking of the unforeseen highs and lows each of their unique futures will hold, Brought urged her classmates to embrace the distance and realize they have been prepared for each moment.

“You have already traveled that difficult road,” Brought said. “You are more prepared than you realize.”

The Class of 2024 is referred to as “The COVID Bunch,” Brought said. For many, this was their first graduation because of virtual high school graduations during their senior years in 2020.

“To us, the realities of four years prior remain sharply etched,” Brought said. “As we mark today’s accomplishment, we are reminded of all that we lost in 2020. We did not give up in that time of struggle … We are a success story. We can take pride in the road we traveled to arrive here.”

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Members of the Class of 2024 switch the sides of their tassels during Lycoming College's 176th Annual Commencement Saturday.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Memberws of Lycoming College's Class of 2024 take a look at their diplomas after receiving them during Lycoming College's 176th Annual Commencement Saturday.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Emma Jamison Book is congratulated by dignitaries during Lycoming College's 176th Annual Commencement Saturday.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Student Marshals Rebekah Hromyak, President, Cara Parsell, Vice President, Madison Chester, Secretary, and Zoe Stauffer, Treasurer lead members of the Class of 2024 through the East Gate into Fultz Quadrangle to begin Lycoming College's 176th Annual Commencement Saturday.