'Be a flower'

Heidelberg University celebrated 267 undergraduate and graduate students Sunday morning during its 168th commencement ceremonies. The graduates were recognized in five separate ceremonies throughout the morning on campus in front of the Campus Center building. Live speakers were kept to a minimum Sunday, but graduates and their families were able to watch pre-recorded remarks. Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Bryan Smith said he remembers sitting with his fellow classmates in Heidelberg's Seiberling Gym in 1991. "I remember having a sense of pride," Smith said. "I was anxious about the future but proud of the accomplishments shared with my classmates." Smith said this was a remarkable year and those of the Heidelberg campus community demonstrated resilience, determination and hard work, and have overcome many challenges. Among those remarks were some from graduate student Leah Cordy. Cordy, who is originally from Lagrange, is currently employed with Sisters in Shelter. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2020 from Heidelberg and is now receiving her graduate degree. Cordy said Heidelberg is a special place with special people. "We all ended up here for a reason," she said. "The world needs all of us, you and me." Delivering an address to undergraduates was Ayanna Hayes of Detroit, Michigan. During her time at Heidelberg, Hayes was involved with the Black Student Union, religious life, track and field, personal training and coaching. She is looking to enroll in a personal training program next spring. Hayes recounted her life growing up in southwest Detroit in a home where a rose bush and dandelions grew alongside the house. "I was fascinated with these flowers and would pick them every day," she said. These flowers looked different, but were both beautiful, Hayes said. "You and I are all flowers," she said. "Flowers do not compete or compare themselves to other flowers, they just bloom." Hayes told her fellow graduates to remember that "even flowers go through some dirt." "Just be yourself, be a flower," Hayes said. "Because the world needs you and your uniqueness."