Lesley honored more than 1,200 graduates during a vibrant virtual ceremony on May 22, 2021. Enjoy highlights, photos and videos from our graduates, student speakers, special guests, honorees, and more.

Lesley honored more than 1,200 graduates during a vibrant virtual ceremony on May 22, 2021. Enjoy highlights, photos and videos from our graduates, student speakers, special guests, honorees, and more.
Virtual Commencement celebrated the determination and persistence of the Lesley University Class of 2021 as relief from the prolonged pandemic appeared.
Lesley celebrated Dr. Broun with an honorary degree. She urged graduates to draw inspiration from leading young voices, including climate activist Greta Thunburg, inauguration poet Amanda Gorman and Parkland survivor and gun control advocate Emma González.
Dr. Santos, a Yale professor, encouraged graduates to “give yourself a little grace” and fight the toxic culture to be pushed to the brink. “The post-pandemic world needs you, in particular, to get it right," she said to graduates. "And that means you’ve got to listen to the science.”
Read about our graduates who are going on to blaze trails as teachers, counselors, expressive arts therapists, and more.
Enjoy remarks from university leaders, honorary degree recipients, guest speakers, student speakers, deans and the Alumni Association president, and view the PHD Hooding Ceremony.