Many Blue Jays have had May 16, 2020, circled on their calendars for months. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be the day our seniors would walk through the Dell to receive their diploma at Elizabethtown College’s 117th Commencement.
The date remains a celebratory one, however, as the College will honor the Class of 2020 in a new way, through its first-ever online Commencement celebration on Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m. (EDT). Guests can log on to etown.edu to view the live-stream.
This virtual celebration will not replace the College’s traditional Commencement Exercises, rather it serves as a recognition of the significance the date holds for all of the incredible accomplishments of the Class of 2020 graduates, and the conferring of their degrees.
“I am amazed by the strength and resilience of our soon-to-be graduates,” said President Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D. “While our virtual ceremony was not the venue we may have envisioned for May 16, I know our students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and beyond are looking forward to celebrating your many years of hard work and steadfast commitment to your studies on this symbolic and momentous day.”
The virtual ceremony is expected to last between 30-40 minutes and will include a live presidential address, brief remarks from alumnus Daniel Jones ’97 and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ed Lovelidge, among others to commemorate the special day. Family and friends of the graduates are encouraged to join in our “virtual serpentine” message board and leave well-wishes for the graduates.
Viewers are also invited to share photos using #Etown2020 before and during the event. Follow Etown on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to celebrate with the Class of 2020.