Schools
Endicott College Reveals 2021 Commencement Coronavirus Plans
Each 2021 graduate will be allowed two guests at Hempstead Stadium, commencement address virtual, Class of 2020 will celebrate in October.
BEVERLY, MA — Endicott College will hold an in-person commencement for its class of 2021 in May, though there will be several changes from a traditional commencement because of coronavirus-related protocols.
This year's commencement will be May 22 and will involve one ceremony for all members of the class of 2021. The class of 202o, which had its in-person ceremony canceled at the onset of the pandemic last spring, will have an in-person celebration tentatively scheduled to take place during homecoming weekend in October, if allowable under state guidelines at the time.
Undergraduate, graduate and professional studies students will all graduate on May 22 with each graduating student allowed up to two guests to attend in person. The two guests are non-transferable to other students' guests.
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Guests will be socially distanced on the field and in the bleachers in groups of up to two.
A live stream of the ceremony will be available for additional family and friends not able to attend the ceremony.
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The school said it is working to confirm details about digital tickets, parking and additional COVID-19 policies.
This year's commencement speech from CNN Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash will be delivered virtually to both the in-person and live-stream audience.
The school said after feedback from members of the class of 2020, it has determined it best to celebrate their achievements Oct. 1 through 3 with special event programming, a chance to walk across the stage and accept an Endicott class gift.
"We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we plan how to safely celebrate all you achieved as the Class of 2020," the school said.
More information on the commencement details and coronavirus protocols can be found here.
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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem andn Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
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