b'A BLAZE Shines BrightestIN THE DARKBusiness Graduates Find a Way toPersevere During Global PandemicBy Ashley BraswellGraduating from college is one of the most significant and exciting milestones in a students life. Whether the ceremony is conducted inside of a complex or outside on the front lawn, family members look forward to cheering on their favorite Blazer as they participate in their final rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood. For the class of 2020 worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way students took classes, attended events, engaged in their dorm rooms and apartments, and graduated from college.When safety protocols were put in place to avoid large crowds, Valdosta State University administrators began to discuss how they could honor students if it couldnt be done in person. A delay in the ceremony was discussed, but ultimately they decided the students deserved something special on their graduation day. To achieve this goal, a committee was assembled and charged with creating a meaningful virtual ceremony for the spring and summer 2020 graduates. Everything leading up to the day was prerecorded and included interactions throughout the video. Just like a typical ceremony, invitations were sent out, inviting students and their families to join the virtual celebration. 50 Langdale College of Business'