Commencement 2021

Albright graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 celebrated the 161st Commencement Ceremony together at Santander Arena on Sunday, May 30, 2021.

Meeting state maximum occupancy guidelines for events, graduates were split into two in-person ceremonies at Santander Arena and livestreamed on the college’s website.

Ceremony speakers included Albright President Jacquelyn S. Fetrow ’82, emerita board member Dorothy Watson Tatem, D. Min., ACC, and graduates Autumn Blalock, representing the class of 2020, and Haylee Kirk, representing the class of 2021.

An engaging speaker, Watson-Tatem brought words of healing and inspiration to commencement after the long year of the pandemic and other social and civic turmoil, imploring graduates to RISE and become the best versions of themselves.

“I am so proud of you, because you made the choice to stay the course and graduate,” said Watson Tatem. “My expectation is that you will make the world better. I believe in you!”

Watson-Tatem mentored African-American students while serving as a member of Albright College’s Board of Trustees from 1998-2008, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 2003.

Ten years later, she retired as the district superintendent of the East District of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, for which she reported directly to the Bishop and had oversight of 73 churches located in Philadelphia, and Bucks and Montgomery counties. Previously, Watson-Tatem served as director of the Office of Urban and Global Ministries and director of the Office of Resourcing, where she assisted churches in transitions, strategic planning, partnering in ministry with the community and conflict management.

Today, Watson-Tatem is a senior associate at minority, woman-owned Next Step Associates, training others in time management and business writing. She is also an editor and a certified coach to public, private sector, government leaders and individuals.

For more photos visit: www.albright.edu/about-albright/commencement-ceremony/