By Samara Demray
The William Peace University (Peace) class of 2020 ended their year with a halt due to COVID-19. It has affected all of our 2020 graduate students who are now trying to live and maneuver through this unknown time.
Some interviews were conducted to gather information about how the 2020 Peace alumni were doing post-graduation, their plans, and what they miss most about Peace.
“I’m a full-time Analyst for the United States Department of Defense and I’m attending Purdue University Global working toward my Masters in Legal Studies,” said Rennissa Richardson. Since she has moved to DC, she has been trying new foods in her local area but she says that there is nothing like the food located around Peace and that is one of the many things that she misses about Peace. Richardson was heavily involved on campus and misses interacting with her fellow peers as well as attending Late Night Breakfast and Red Rose Ball.
Most events that would have been hosted for the seniors such as graduation and the senior soiree were canceled due to COVID-19 and have indeed taken a toll on the graduates. Having graduation on Main Lawn and celebrating this huge accomplishment is one of the many things that Peace takes pride in when it comes to their students.
Dr. Ralph and the upper administration have postponed these events because it is crucial for alumni to have the same opportunity to wear their cap and gown and get their diploma.
The hardest thing right now for the 2020 alumni is getting jobs because most jobs aren’t hiring because of COVID-19.
“I am doing some freelance website help for business owners in the area, and am working as an editor for an entertainment website called Sarah Scoop where I edit videos and interview reality tv stars for the website’s podcast and YouTube channel,” said Alex Garrison, a 2020 graduate who majored in communication.
Michael Mchale ‘20 has taken over Rebecca Tshibambi ‘18 position as the Campus Visit Experience & Guest Coordinator.
“Peace has really helped me grow and transform as a person,” said Mchale. “So being able to give back and potentially have a positive impact on others’ lives through this position on campus has been my favorite part of being a part of the Peace Community.”
A 2020 alumna and volleyball player, Mya Parks recently moved to Charlotte, NC to further her career and is now working at an IT position for a company called Leidos.
“My favorite thing about being a Peace graduate is knowing that my four years there haven’t gone to waste and I can actually use the things that I learned there to build connections and friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Parks.
Former Student Government President Deja Gainey is once again making strides as an MA Candidate at The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies with a concentration in American Foreign Policy in Washington, D.C.
Gainey is most excited about being, “a 2020 Department of State Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow and will enter the U.S. Foreign Services to become a diplomat after grad school.”
The 2020 graduates have had a rough year but are all finding ways to give back to the community they are around just as Peace poured into them. During a time with many unknowns, our Pacers are leaving marks around the local and national levels.