Penn State to hold virtual graduation ceremony to recognize the Class of 2020
Penn State’s Class of 2020 graduates will be recognized in a virtual commencement ceremony.
Penn State had already postponed graduation on March 18 when it suspended in-person classes for the remainder of the spring semester to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. On Monday, the university announced how it plans to honor the class.
A graduation ceremony will take place via livestream on May 9 — recognizing all undergraduate and graduate students. Graduates, friends and families are invited to gather online as university leadership recognizes and confers their degrees.
“While no one could have anticipated a virtual celebration, I want our graduates and their families to know we are excited to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020,” President Eric Barron said in a release. “Despite the disappointment of not doing so in-person, we are inspired by the idea that graduates and families across the United States and internationally will be able to mark this very special occasion. We are so proud of all our graduates, and of their parents and extended families who have contributed so much to their success. This is a moment to celebrate.”
The College of Medicine, Dickinson Law, Penn State Law and Penn College will manage their own celebrations and communicate directly to graduates.
Nick Jones, executive vice president and provost, said that individual campuses will host their own ceremonies for graduates.
“Our chancellors and deans are working on plans and will communicate directly with graduates,” Jones said in a release. “We have all hands on deck to do everything we can to properly recognize and celebrate the fantastic achievements of the Class of 2020. We couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.”
Barron said Penn State plans to invite 2020 graduates back for in-person celebrations when public health guidelines permit large gatherings and events.
“A defining characteristic of Penn State is our community, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to your university, to put an exclamation point on your achievements,” Barron said.
Questions regarding the online ceremony can be sent to graduation@psu.edu.
This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 5:16 PM.
