The Avett Brothers Perform for Life is Good’s 2020 Virtual Commencement

Life is Good, the positive lifestyle and apparel brand, announced today that it will hold a global virtual commencement to honor all 2020 graduates and their families. The celebratory event will be hosted on @LifeisGood Facebook Live on Thursday, May 7th at 7pm EST, 4pm PST. The commencement address will be given by Life is Good Co-Founder and Chief Creative Optimist John Jacobs, and the event will be hosted by Bert Jacobs, Life is Good Co-Founder and Chief Executive Optimist.

“When we started our business 26 years ago, we were fresh out of school. It was a time of uncertainty and it was scary. We had no money, no business plan, and no clue. But we did have friends, and that’s what made the difference for us. We never felt alone, so we were always able to put one foot in front of the other. Recently, when we learned that the Class of 2020 would be separated from each other for their final semesters, graduation ceremonies, and well-deserved parties, we decided maybe they could use a few new friends, a few good laughs, and some uplifting, artistic inspiration. This unique, homemade commencement celebration is for you Class of 2020. After all, you are ‘virtually’ ‘The Greatest Class of All Time!'” said Bert Jacobs.

“It’s clear that the class of 2020 has plenty to say. Sure, they have disappointments and concerns, but they have even more courage and grit,” added John Jacobs. “We want to go big and celebrate these resilient optimists in a way that feels worthy of the unprecedented situation they’re facing, while also finding a way to share the lessons they’ve learned. The best way we know how is with open ears, positive energy, humor, love, and some of the greatest artists on the planet.”

Life is Good has stayed connected to the class of 2020 via social media to learn what these students are anxious about, challenged by, and hopeful for. Life is Good received hundreds of replies, with many ’20 grads sharing moving, personal stories.

I’m hopeful that all of this will bring the class of 2020 together rather than driving us apart. We are part of history now—we are a historic class, and if we can make it through this, we can make it through anything.
– Eternity R., Frank W. Springstead High School

I have had more time to think and reflect about what I truly care about. What was seemingly everything was reduced to nothing in a matter of days. We truly do not know when something will be the last time we experience it.
– Mario K., Michigan State

This whole experience has opened my eyes to how fortunate I am and has made me more self-aware. If missing my senior spring and my friends is the greatest hardship I’ll experience from this pandemic, I know that I am incredibly lucky. My family and I are fortunate that we are able to quarantine together. All this extra family time is an added bonus.
– Marykate F., Elon

Bert and John hope to share a fresh perspective with the Class of 2020, and show how their unexpected turns can lead to new discoveries, growth, and fulfillment. The commencement address, given by Chief Creative Optimist and renowned speaker John Jacobs, will address this challenging moment in time while also affirming the students’ optimism and hope for the future. These inspiring stories also led to the company creating a special line of t-shirts focused on celebrating their unique shared experience.

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