The Commencement Ceremonies You Made Possible
In-Person Commencement Celebrations for the Class of 2020
Dear members of the Shenandoah University community,
On Sunday, we did something we’ve dreamed of doing since May — celebrated our recent graduates with an in-person University Commencement ceremony — two ceremonies, in fact!
Yes, the ceremonies were far smaller than usual, with around 250 or fewer people (graduates and their guests, combined — faculty and staff were encouraged to watch the ceremonies virtually) attending each of the two separate ceremonies held in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center, which has a seating capacity of 5,000. We were all masked, practicing social distancing and happy to be together in a way that we couldn’t be in May, when we held a virtual University Commencement.
And, it’s thanks to you that we were able to hold these in-person events for our 2019/2020 graduates. It’s a testament to your vigilance and care.
We also celebrated Family Weekend by offering virtual and in-person opportunities to connect with parents and guardians to ensure they’re aware of resources available to help students with the adjustment to a new way of learning and interacting with faculty and classmates.
Our Shenandoah community has shown tremendous responsibility and has taken the Pledge to Keep Shenandoah Safe very seriously. You are the reason we are still here, offering classes in person and through ShenFlex.
The SU family has worked together to make a tremendous difference, and we’re poised to continue to do so as we progress toward the end of both the semester and the calendar year.
Cheers to our graduates,
President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.
