There were a lot of smiling faces in Davison Hall on Sat., June 7, as more than 150 members of the class of 2020 toasted their five-year reunion and cheered as their 2020 banner was finally lowered from the rafters.

The Class of 2020 Lowers Class Banner


Although COVID cut the class of 2020’s time on the Hilltop short, missing treasured traditions, the college promised they would return to experience them. June’s Reunion Weekend was the perfect time to not only experience those final missed milestones, but also to celebrate their accomplishments in the last five years.

“Tonight, we celebrate you not only for reaching this milestone, but for the strength, grace, and spirit with which you crossed the finish line during a time that tested us all,” said Susan Gabert ’91, Ed.D., vice president for student development & mission/dean of students.

Following a welcome from the Office of Alumni Relations, Fr. Iain MacLellan, O.S.B. ’78 offered an invocation and Dr. Gabert addressed the group. Welcoming the class of 2020 back to the Hilltop, Gabert acknowledged the challenges they faced in 2020 and the joy in their return to celebrate this milestone. She reminded them that they carry Saint Anselm, and all it formed in their hearts and minds, with them.

“That’s the beauty of this place. You don’t leave Saint Anselm behind, you carry it with you. In your work, your relationships, your choices. It shapes how you show up in the world,” said Gabert. “So, class of 2020: welcome home. Congratulations on all you've done, all you're doing, and all that’s still to come. We are so proud of you.”

With cheers and clapping, Farid Mawanda ’20, the class vice president, made a toast to his class and watched as the 2020 banner lowered finally bringing the class closure.

The celebration was just one of a series of events during the college’s Reunion Weekend welcoming back alumni from the classes ending in 0’s and 5’s. Earlier in the day, nurses from the class of 2020 participated in their class pinning ceremony. After the banner was lowered, the class of 2020 joined other classes for dinner and a celebration in Sullivan Arena.