Dance major Takia Hopson walks the stage. All photos by Kim Leeson.
Dance major Takia Hopson walks the stage. All photos by Kim Leeson.
On a stormy May 19, SMU Meadows moved commencement indoors. Keynote speaker Ian Derrer, general director of the Dallas Opera, reviewed his notes backstage. Students hugged their professors. Willie Baronet, Stan Richards Professor in Creative Advertising, took group selfies. There is nothing like the happiness and joy of graduation day. Photographer Kim Leeson was on hand to capture the scene.
Students Lauren Steele and Roderick WoodruffGrads wait backstage before commencementMeadows Scholar Stejara Dinulescu kills time in line before commencement
Prof. Steve Edwards (left) with advertising studentsJeremy Pope-Levison, left, and Caleb Vandaveer wave to familyMatthew Holevas waves to family in the balcony(From left) Jeremy Pope-Levison, Xxavier Carter, Miranda Helm and Prof. Ira Greenberg(From left) Jasonica Moore, Lauren Steele, Brandi Mcleain, Mikaela Brooks and Curtis FaulknerDance chair Christopher Dolder (center) with dancer students(From left) Gabby Grubb, Kat Allen, Dyala Ashfour and Prof. Willie BaronetRachel Gan, left, and Jordan PyleWelcome and Gratitude speech, by Jasonica Moore, Division of TheatreKeynote speaker Ian Derrer, general director of the Dallas OperaCurtis Faulkner sings “SMU Forever”Curtis Faulkner hugs Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Kevin Hofeditz after singing “SMU Forever”Commencement moved to McFarlin Auditorium due to weatherProf. Ira Greenberg congratulates Xxavier Carter
Graduates backstage waiting to receive diplomasSarah Hoffman waits her turn to walk the stageDance student Takia Hopson celebrates her big moment walking the stageMichael Garcia walks the stage.Lauren Steele walks the stageThe Varsity.Sara Magalio hugs Caleb Vandaveer
Zeinab Ali celebrates in front of Dallas HallKeynote speaker Ian Derrer, general director of the Dallas Opera, reviews his notes bakstage before commencement
