Tag: class of 2020

UR will hold graduation ceremonies online May 15

The University of Rochester announced over the weekend that it will hold its 2020 graduation exercises online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The university plans to establish a special website for the commencement exercises that will be available after noon on May 15, when it will confer all degrees online.  

“As I said to our medical school students who graduated early a few weeks ago—also online—while this is not the graduation you expected, you have worked very hard to prepare for this moment. You are more than ready for the next chapter of your life,” said UR President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, in a letter to the class of 2020 sent Saturday.  “In the face of so many challenges, you continue to make us all so proud, and I know you will make the world ever better,”  she said, referencing the school’s motto, translated from the Latin expression “meliora.” 

She said the university will continue to look for a way to celebrate in person at a later date. Some colleges have invited the class of 2020 to join in commencement for the class of 2021 next year.

UR will hold this year's graduation online instead of on folding chairs on the quad. (Photo supplied by UR)
UR will hold this year’s graduation online instead of on folding chairs on the quad. (Photo supplied by UR)

Diplomas will be sent through the mail, but the online ceremony will include all of the graduates’ names being read aloud.  Some of the pomp and circumstance of traditional exercises in full academic regalia will be replaced by social media feeds attempting to link graduates and their families around the world though Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Full details of the commencement ceremonies will be available online at rochester.edu as they become available, the university said. 

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