Commencement of 2020-21 Graduates

Graphic by Kylee Weber

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is the time of the year to grab your cap and gowns and prepare for commencement. However, this year we are not just honoring the class of 2021, but the class of 2020 as well! Due to the pandemic last year, commencement was taken away from the seniors and they were unable to walk across the stage. The class of 2020 was able to receive their diploma via mail and have their moment in their hometowns after leaving Ottawa University abruptly.

Ottawa University is inviting the graduating class of 2020 back to their alma mater to finally get their moment to walk across the stage with faculty and classmates watching. Their commencement ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on May 1. Any graduated 2020 alumni are welcomed to attend the ceremony.

Following the 2020 commencement, the 2021 ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the chapel. 

The ceremony is taking into consideration the pandemic and is requiring all guests, faculty and students to wear masks during the ceremony. Students are allotted two guests to the ceremony. There will be an overflow room in the (shindell above library thingy whatever its called i forgot) where the ceremony will be live-streamed for those who are unable to sit in the chapel. 

The pandemic took a lot away from the senior classes of 2020 and 2021, but Ottawa University is attempting to give back to the alumni and the seniors. Granting the wishes of many, they will finally be allowed to walk across the stage that started their college career. The class of 2020 and 2021 is going to be able to close this chapter in their lives and open a new chapter. 

It’s time to switch out the senior’s original Braves gear for Ottawa University Alumni gear, we love you, seniors. The student body wishes you luck on your next chapter. Meanwhile, Ottawa welcomes the graduating class of 2020 back to campus for one last stroll.