In the Spring of 2020, the "2 week to flatten the curve, Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown", changed a lot of things. As schools, colleges and universities hustled and improvised to offer some type of graduation ceremony, like "drive through Commencements", "Online Graduations", etc., others 'Postponed' until the fall. But when things were still shutdown in the fall many schools just mailed diplomas and said "Good Luck".
For 2 years Southern Virginia University promised the class of 2020 that they would give them a commencement and at least one graduate wouldn't let them forget what they had promised. Her name was Skye. The long awaited announcement was finally made in late February of 2022, that the class of 2020 would be able to join the class of 2022 for Graduation. How grateful we were for Skye to finally have this opportunity.
Friday May 6, 2022
Buena Vista, Virginia
Awaiting the start of the Commencement Ceremony.
The graduates coming in to the music of "Pomp and Circumstance".
I was offered a seat in the front row reserved for "Dignitaries and Special Guests". The Mayor of Lexington couldn't be there and the University President messaged Skye the night before and asked if I would like to sit in that seat. Of course I said YES!
Recognizing the graduating class of 2020. There was a very long ovation for the 23 graduates who were able to make it back for their graduation.
Waiting for her name to be called.
Gotta love those shoes!
..And, there she goes!
Skye Lynn Lowry - Congratulations!
Skye started her collegiate career at Southern Virginia University as a freshman in the winter of 2006, met Ryan there and they were engaged and married the following year. They left the Shenandoah Valley to move to Idaho where she attended BYU-Idaho, then on to BYU-Hawaii and finally, in 2013, back to Buena Vista and Southern Virginia University.
As hard as it was, I am sure she would tell you it was all worth it. What a great moment for her.
The biggest problem with this delayed graduation is that her sweet husband Ryan, and her two oldest daughters in school back in Utah had to miss being there in person. They were able to watch her receive her diploma online.
Luckily for Skye she has some great friends who went out of their way to make the day very special for her!
The graduates moved their tassels, but I missed the photo when they threw their caps in the air!
The traditional singing of the song Shenandoah. Skye is in the middle, she is trying to sing while crying and her friend put her arm around her to comfort her. It was a tender moment and a beautiful song.
On the very right of this picture you can see half of Skye, the other half didn't make it in the photo! Haha!
As the graduates lined up to 'recess' outside, Avery ran up to Skye. Skye scooped her up and kept exiting the building with the other graduates. One of the official photographers snapped this photo as she exited the building. I just love it!
One of Skye's classmates! (The one who comforted her during the song).
Skye's dear friend and Economics professor, Zach.
We Love you Skye, and we are so proud of you! (Just look how proud your nephew is!)
Skye and her good friends who are married to professors at the university.
Skye's friend Josh, a professor of Mathematics.
Skye's fans and cheer section!
More Professors. After knowing Skye for almost 15 years, it seemed like they all knew her well and wanted photos with her.
One of her good church friends.
Another classmate and buddy of Skye's.
I'm not even sure who all these professors are, but I do know when Skye's name was called, there was quite the round of applause and cheers and many of them came from the block of seats where the university professors were sitting.
Skye and her old bishop and professor.
I think this was her ministering sister and her husband, one of her instructors.
This sweet sister gave Skye the nicest gift, a watercolor painting of the school.
And.... Cali put together a gift bag from all of Skye's siblings and Darryl and I.
All in all a very wonderful day.
Something to look forward to in 16 yrs or so.
After the ceremony we went to a party hosted by some of Skye's good friends for lots of good food, fun and games.
Miss Avery found the dress up jewelry and makeup.
Finally, Skye and Avery made the SVU Instagram page!
What a great day. And just think, we get to do it again in 3-4 yrs. when she graduates from USC Law School.
