December Commencement Plans, 10-20-20

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

I write today to share plans for celebrating the time-honored tradition of commencement with our August and December 2020 graduates. Given the constraints that COVID-19 has put on gatherings and events, and our deep commitment to the health and safety of our community, we have made the difficult decision to hold fall graduation ceremonies remotely.

We are pleased to invite all our graduates, their families and friends, faculty and staff to special virtual commencement ceremonies on the morning of Saturday, December 12. To help you celebrate, we have created a fall 2020 commencement website containing resources to use on social media and an opportunity to rent academic regalia for personal photos. We will also be sharing stories of our graduating students throughout the coming months, and posting the full fall commencement ceremony online.

Our December graduates include students from the College of Nursing, Graduate School, Anesthesiologist Assistant Program and Physical Therapy Program. Graduates will receive formal invitations and details on commencement activities from their school, program or college. 

While graduation may look different from what we expected, we look forward to recognizing the tremendous achievements of our graduates virtually, and sharing our pride with your family and friends, both near and far. 

What the members of our graduating class have accomplished this year is truly remarkable. We are both humbled and inspired by your dedication and resilience in reaching this milestone amid the challenges 2020 has brought, and we are eager to welcome you into our community of distinguished alumni.

Please mark your calendars for December 12, and find more information about commencement on the fall 2020 commencement website.

Sincerely,

Don Elliman

Chancellor