In a university announcement sent to the St. Joe’s class of 2020 on May 6, University President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D., announced that the university is planning to conduct commencement ceremonies and events for graduates on the weekend of Oct. 2-4, 2020, absent any restrictions which prevent them from doing so.
“We recognize that some of you will not be able to attend as you will have moved away, started new jobs, be in graduate school, or otherwise unable to travel – but our sincere hope and desire is that most of you will be able to participate,” Reed wrote in the announcement. “We will share more information over the summer as it is available.”
Reed previously announced in the March 31 university announcement that traditional commencement for the class of 2020 will not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic, and that there would instead be a virtual conferral of degrees ceremony which is to take place on May 16.
“I know that some of you have mixed feelings surrounding this – understanding, of course, that the pandemic situation prevents the normal ceremonies on this date, but disappointment nonetheless,” Reed said. “We, the faculty and staff of Saint Joseph’s, share these same feelings.”
Reed said that while there will be a virtual gathering on May 16 for commencement as an expression to support seniors, it is not a replacement for graduation. The May 16 conferral of degrees plans to honor what students have accomplished and provide a connection until the class of 2020 can gather again in the fall.
“There are no easy or perfect solutions to the dilemma of conducting Commencement Exercises during a pandemic,” Reed said. “We take some comfort that our solutions – combining a virtual event now with on-ground events when it is safe to do so – are consistent with many institutions, with examples including Penn, Temple, Fordham, Penn State, Villanova, and many more.”
Reed ended his announcement by thanking university workers and recognizing all of the individuals who continue to work to support and produce commencement events.
“In the true spirit of service, much of their work is invisible or goes unnoticed, and I ask that we all share our appreciation for their efforts,” Reed said. “They are doing way more this year than in a normal year, all while balancing the same personal and professional challenges facing us all.”
