West Chester University:-Person Congratulations To WCU's Class Of 2020!

Press release from West Chester University:

May 11, 2021

We fulfilled that promise for our Class of 2020, organizing 14 in-person, outdoor,
socially distanced commencement ceremonies on four dates at Farrell Stadium.

We were elated to see nearly 1,400 Class of 2020 students (both graduate and undergraduate
levels) return to campus to participate in their commencement ceremonies. Graduates
even had an opportunity to remove their masks briefly on stage after they received
their diploma covers and as they left the platform for their formal photographs. As
always, each ceremony was live streamed and recorded.

Our commitment to our 2020 graduates meant developing safe, socially distanced, outdoor
commencement ceremonies for smaller groups of graduates, approximately 200 per ceremony.
Many people from across campus and across divisions came together to ensure we presented
the same dignified commencement ceremonies — witnessed by their families and loved
ones — that the Class of 2020 would have had last year had we not been under Covid
restrictions.

Last year, we acknowledged the disappointment and frustration felt by the Class of
2020 and tried to make the lack of an in-person commencement less painful through
many avenues including video messages from WCU President Christopher Fiorentino, VPs, deans, department
chairs, and notes from alumni; customizable congratulatory signage; and encouraging
messaging, filters, and more across social media. In fact, in a WCUofPA Instagram story, we asked participants to describe the Class of 2020 in one word. You showed
your Ram Pride with your top three words:

This year, we are thrilled to have been able to honor you in person and celebrate
your achieving this milestone with your loved ones I attendance.

Class of 2020: The faculty, staff, alumni, and administration of West Chester University
are so proud of you! We honor your perseverance and determination to succeed in the
face of unexpected adversity. We validate your difficulties in isolating and adapting
to completely online, virtual instruction, and admire your tenacity in completing
your courses. You have overcome a pandemic, maybe the most unusual adversary your
generation has faced, making you stronger for having come through that fire. You are
survivors, thrivers, achievers — and you are our future.

Stay golden, Rams!

This press release was produced by West Chester University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.