More than 1,300 University of West Georgia graduates – and one Australian shepherd – walked the stage during the institution’s Spring 2021 Commencement Saturday.
During his remarks, UWG President Dr. Brendan B. Kelly shared that the COVID-19 pandemic kept graduates from experiencing some things, but it did not keep them from the holistic university experience UWG provides – including showcasing their artistic talents; demonstrating excellence in athletics; and achieving post-graduation outcomes like launching their careers or being accepted into world-class graduate programs at UWG, across the United States, and beyond.
“Realizing your goals takes time and a commitment to continuous improvement,” Kelly said. “It doesn’t happen overnight. You have persevered, and through adversity, you have proven you can overcome. That is what matters: not how you got here but that you got here, despite the obstacles. You rose to the challenges and overcame them.”
Unmasked edition: News from around our 50 states
From USA TODAY Network and wire reports
Alabama
Mobile: A Carnival cruise ship docked in the port city Friday so crew members could be vaccinated against COVID-19. With a brass band playing on the wharf, the Carnival Sensation docked at the Mobile Cruise Terminal, where staff members from USA Health planned to go on board to provide first doses for 110 crew members. The ship will return in three weeks for second doses, the city said in a statement. U.S. ports are closed to cruise lines because of the global pandemic, but Mayor Sandy Stimpson said such vaccinations are a major step toward getting the industry back in business. Carnival said crew members have received vaccines at other ports including Miami and Port Canaveral in Florida and Galveston, Texas. Sensation will be based in Mobile offering trips to the western Caribbean once cruises resume, but it’s unclear when that will happen.
The University System of Georgia outlined recommendations on the discontinuation of various COVID-19 prevention methods following the Centers for Disease Control's new guidance for fully vaccinated Americans.
SANTA FE, N.M. New Mexico has adopted guidance on facemasks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that says fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks indoors or outside in most cases.
Under revisions Friday to the stateâs emergency public health order, masks are no longer required of fully vaccinated people in many public settings, though businesses and workplaces may still make face coverings a requirement for all.
Public schools are still bound by universal mask requirements with allowances for meals, as the state gradually relaxes aggressive restrictions on public gatherings and some business operations.