This year, as the sun warmed Page Terrace on a perfect fall day, MBU’s annual Founders Day ceremony brought the graduating class together with university leaders, faculty, staff, and underclassmen in a new way.
The outdoor ceremony on October 8 with masks and social distancing allowed this important tradition to take place during the pandemic.
It also marks a historic moment for the university, as the Class of 2021 will be the very first coeducational class to graduate from the residential program.
MBU students from the Class of 2021 played a significant role in the occasion, including:
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Founders Day Speakers
- c/1CPT Kristen Franklin
- Peyton “Gil” Mitchell
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Reading of Psalm 121
- Jessa Balough
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Investiture of 2021 graduates by MBU President Pamela Fox and Executive Director of Alumni Engagement Adrienne Teague, with the following student representatives:
- Haley Adducci, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
- Michael Blackwood, College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Nikki Narduzzi, College of Arts and Sciences/MBU Online
- Zoey Perchaluk, College of Business and Professional Studies
- Shayla Stewart, College of Education
- Kylie Stottlemeyer, Senior Class President
The Mary Baldwin Choir, under the direction of Craig L. Robertson, was also present to sing “A Hymn for Mary Baldwin” and anthem of thanks and celebration “Non Nobis Domine.”
For 91 years, Mary Baldwin seniors have gathered for Founders Day, which gives them the opportunity to wear their cap and gown for the first time and be formally vested with the privileges bestowed upon members of the graduating class.
Founders Day also honors the university’s two founders, Rufus W. Bailey and Mary Julia Baldwin, and occurs each year on the Thursday closest to Baldwin’s October 4 birthday.
