PHOTOS: UGA student-submitted 2020 graduation caps
Some students decide to decorate their graduation caps for the ceremony which closes out their undergraduate years. Because there is no in-person commencement this year on May 8 at the University of Georgia, The Red & Black compiled submissions of decorated graduation caps from UGA students across the country.
Descriptions have been slightly edited for clarity.
Marni Rein is a psychology and criminal justice major from Roswell.
“I designed my cap to feature some of the places and experiences that made UGA and Athens so special for me. The last four years have been the best and I’ll miss UGA so much. Go Dawgs!”
Parker Jamieson is an applied biotechnology and microbiology major from El Dorado Hills, California.
“Decorated with felt fabric and LED lights, this cap includes a background of Sanford Stadium with a Redcoat (myself) on the field while fans ‘light up graduation.’ I designed this cap to commemorate my time in the Redcoat Marching Band and illuminate the spirit of the bulldog nation.”
Sarah Willoughby is a music education major from Cartersville.
“My high school graduation cap had a quote from Beauty and the Beast that said ‘I want adventure in the great wide somewhere.’ I got my adventure studying music at UGA, so I decided another quote from Beauty and the Beast perfectly summarized how much I’ve loved the last four years!”
Abby Niculas is an exercise and sport science major from Suwanee.
“I wanted to put something on my cap that was special to UGA so I put the arch and I wanted to include my graduation year.“
Jaci Hawkins is a chemistry major from Tifton.
“I wanted to do something to represent my major and my school colors. The bow is really special because I wore it to every single home game. I designed it this way to have sentimental value and a clear picture of what I went to school for!”
Jyoti Makhijani is a marketing major from Suwanee.
“I was sitting in my parents living room when I heard the news that we wouldn’t have an in-person commencement. I felt an urge to feel closer to Athens. So, I decided I’d decorate my cap. I went with a classic as the arch symbol is a pivotal part of a UGA graduates journey: you can finally walk under it! And even though I haven’t had the opportunity yet, I’m hoping to return to Athens when it’s safe to and walk under the arch!”
Ashley Hegwood is a management major from Atlanta.
“My time at UGA is one that’ll never forget. The part that hurts so bad is that we didn’t get to have a proper goodbye. Everything happened so fast. When we said goodbye to our friends before spring break, we said ‘See you next Monday’ not a proper goodbye. We didn’t get to thank our professors, the parking ladies, or our campus.”
Carlee Wooddell from Athens is graduating with her BFA with an emphasis in graphic design.
“College can be difficult; it asks a lot of you. I couldn't have gotten through it so well without the One who gives me strength every day. I give God honor and glory.”
Michaela Bird is an animal science major from St. Louis, Missouri.
“I wanted to show how proud I was to not only be a Dawg, but an Ag Dawg. Without the opportunities I got through UGA as a whole and my college specifically, I would not be able to go off into the real world to live out my dreams.”
Madhuree Patel is a finance and international business double major from Augusta.
“This commemorates the end of my undergrad chapter and the start of my journey in the corporate professional world.”
Julie Bacon is an agricultural communication major from Reidsville.
“The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences holds a special place in my heart; so, I wanted to create a graduation cap I could keep on display to remind me of the people and place that made me who I am today! Once an Ag Dawg, always an Ag Dawg!”
Tatiana Anthony is a psychology major from Decatur.
“The man on my cap is Albert Lee Weaver Sr., my great grandfather! Sadly, he passed away after my freshman year of college. Some of the last conversations I had with him were about the importance of education. He shared some of his experiences growing up and how hard it was to pursue his dreams. So, I made the decision to honor him and dedicate my degree to him (and all the hardship he endured in his life). I am so blessed to live during a time where opportunities for me are endless! It wouldn’t be possible without the resilience of the ones before me and I’m grateful!”
Aleah Jackson is a biology major from Ellenwood.
“My cap embodies everything that has gotten me to this point. Beginning with the peach, it reminds me of home, my friends and family, and my foundation. Next, my degree. I am reminded of the chemistry progress checks, the Ochem test, wanting to cry over genetics test, but most importantly, getting through it. Then, dance. Dancing has been the one thing I could count on to release all of my stress and know that everything will be okay. Finally, the Bulldog, the thing that brings everything I’ve worked for up until this point together. My dream school since I was three years old. To the place that has matured and humble me, I will forever be thankful to the University of Georgia.”
Hollie Mitchell is an agricultural communications major from Plains.
“Everything I have ever been able to do is because of my great support system of family, friends and mentors! I wanted to celebrate them as well in this special time!”
Ivy Gaustad is a real estate major from Atlanta.
"For my first two years of college I attended Georgia Southern University. I worked extremely hard to get to UGA and I am very proud of my accomplishments. I also love the music artist Bassnectar, whose symbols adorn each side of the cap.”
Madison Adams from Dawsonville is graduating with a graduate degree in family and consumer sciences education.
“I have always dreamed of being a Bulldog. Glory to God and Glory Glory to ole Georgia!”
Emily Newsome from Eatonton is graduating with a degree in horticulture.
“I designed and painted this cap myself. I'm a hort major so I had to include plants but I also wanted to do something motivational.”
August Williams from Waynesville is graduating with degrees in computer animation and theatre.
“I will be moving on to an internship at Disney World after graduation!”
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University of Georgia spring and summer 2020 graduates will celebrate graduation inside Sanford Stadium on Friday. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was rescheduled and will now require masks and be socially distanced.