b'Congratulations, Class of 2020There is always a way through.This thought has been running through my mind a lot over the last couple of months. Way back at the beginning of winter quarter, who would have thought we would be holding our 2020 Commencement inthe context of a global pandemic?It is truly humbling to see the strength of the UW Tacoma community. And I do not just mean dealing with all the changes since March 2020. Life throws us curveballs on a regular basis, and yet we persevere. We find a way through. Today, June 13, 2020, we celebrate 2,000 UW Tacoma students who found their way through to their UW degrees.You in the Class of 2020 did not do it alone. Faculty, staff, parents, friends, loved ones, peers, community membersall of us stand alongside you and support you.For Leticia Romo Bueno, 20, BA Criminal Justice and the 2020 Chancellors Medalist, finding a way through meant overcoming the disadvantages of growing up in poverty and the disruptions of immigration.For Theron Taylor, 20, BA Psychology, finding a way through meant discovering the power of education while serving a 20-year prison sentence, and starting a campus group for formerly-incarcerated students.Standing alongside Leticia and Theron are people like Justin Wadland and Dr. Sharon Laing. Wadland is the UW Tacoma Library Interim Director and recipient of the 2020 UW Distinguished Librarian honor. He has devoted much of his career to digital scholarship and helped establish the UW Tacoma Digital Commons. Laing is an assistant professor of nursing and healthcare leadership and a recipient of the Provosts 2020 Undergraduate Research Mentor Award. She is dedicated to helping her students find a way through.And now you, members of the Class of 2020, as freshly minted University of Washington degree-holders, have a collective responsibility to help others find their way through to their dreams. Go out into the community as workers, leaders, voters, parents, caregivers, partners, and maybe even as students again,and stand alongside those that need you. You have our blessing and our gratitude.Congratulations again, Class of 2020!Mark A. PaganoChancellor1'