May usually marks one of the bigger celebrations for many in higher education, students prepare to close a chapter in their lives with commencement. But the class of 2020 cheers virtually Friday afternoon to what would have been the eve of graduation.
“Every semester, nursing majors say, ‘okay, we’re done with our hardest semester, this next shouldn’t be too bad.’ I can finally correctly tell you this was our hardest semester yet,” Ian Huelskamp, senior nursing student said. “I’m excited to be able to graduate and start working as soon as possible in the hospital!”
On March 9, all Wright State courses moved to an online instruction format.
“I am student teaching a first-grade class and the idea of technology isn’t super realistic for all of my families. It’s really hard knowing that I might not see them again for the rest of the school year,” said Teresa Rapking a senior education major. “We have sent home packets for my students.”
The hope was to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, coronavirus. Governor Mike DeWine asked businesses, companies, schools, bars, restaurants, and gyms to close until May.
With that came the cancellations of events and meetings on Wright State’s campus, including graduation.
‘It felt unreal’
“It has been really hard. Postponing our graduation & pinning ceremony, with no glimpse of when it’ll be,” Kaylyn Textor said. “My last semester as an active member of DZ has been cut short so no senior send-off, no last formal, not being able to spend my final semester with my sisters. Wanting to spend my last semester of college having fun & making memories before the real world hits, but it hit a lot sooner than expected.”
Some students are taking it one day at time.
“At first I was really upset about it, felt like it wasn’t fair, but I realized that I’m not the only one that’s going through this, Rapking said. “I understand for the health and safety of everybody else this [cancelling graduation] was the best decision for everyone. I’m staying positive and looking forward to finishing the semester online and graduating! And getting through this one day at a time!”
In late March students living on campus were asked to leave, with a waiver process in place for extenuating circumstances the dorms and on-campus housing were cleared out.
“It’s bitter sweet, because I really wanted to finish off my senior year with my friends but I understand the reason for leaving,” Rapking said.
Beth Metcalf, a senior, living on campus recalled the week of move out difficult.
“It’s felt so unreal, like I feel like the end of my year happened so much sooner and so unexpectedly,” Metcalf said. “I’m at my house just still in shock that we had to leave like that. My roomie is in another state and we are just so sad honestly. Seeing everyone packing and leaving was kinda tough.”
Before moving out of their apartment, Metcalf wore her gown and cap for photos with her roommate, as a ‘just in case.’
“I’m slowly starting to realize that there are a lot of things I was looking forward to that won’t be happening,” Metcalf said. “Like my last formal, April craze, water polo season, etc. and that I wont be seeing my friends nearly as much. I’m starting to miss the SGA [student government association] meetings and the office hours. It all got pulled away so quickly by this pandemic.”
Getting creative in distance celebrations
“I know that my family wants to do something if all of this blows over in time,” said senior, B Lenz. “My friend and I are going to have a “social distance picnic” once final grades have gone through and sit out on her back porch and just finally relax.”
The Greek life community found alternative ways through TikTok and senior send-offs including stopping by a senior’s home and leaving their gifts. For formal many members dressed up, took pictures in their homes, and did group calls.
The Boonshoft School of Medicine is hosting a virtual graduation in place of an in person ceremony.
Many groups such as University Activities Board and Campus Recreation have held events digitally like trivia and work outs. Other organizations and groups have met through Zoom to maintain meetings.
The messages from university officials have remained positive in reminding students that they are working toward a solution.
“Our Raider pride and spirit are unshakable. Raiders are resilient, especially in times of adversity such as these. Always remember: We are Wright State—We are #RaiderStrong,” President Sue Edwards said in a communication email to the campus community.
Reflecting on the memories
What the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t taken away are the years of memories and moments seniors will be leaving with though.
Despite this historical moment in time, many choose to reflect on their experiences and the strength of the community at Wright State.
“The event I enjoyed the most was April craze,” said Asad Ali. “It was a lot of fun especially being able to walk around and see the different organizations as well as the different the inflatables UAB [University Activities Board] had for students to enjoy.”
“This place [WSU] has been my home for the past four years,” Markayla Clayton, graduating senior said. “I’ve lived on campus all four and through the summers. It’s hard to imagine myself anywhere else. I’m going to miss the amazing people I’ve met here – my friends, the faculty, and student affairs professionals.”
Other students involved in work on campus agreed in missing not just their friends but also the staff and faculty on campus.
“I will miss seeing my friends, my favorite professors, the housing staff and all of my residents,” said Sanchez.
Senior, Ariel Kramer, spent over a year working in the New Media Incubator and says she will miss friends and her job.
With so many places remained closed and group gatherings still forbidden, seniors have found other ways to celebrate.
“My family has been super supportive, this weekend alone we are doing a virtual ceremony with family watching. My mom has offered to make my favorite dinner on Saturday. Once all of this is over we are hoping to do a small party with my family,” Petey Sanchez said.
Who is the class of 2020?
The spring class of 2020 is made up of 1,490 bachelor’s degrees, 576 master’s degrees, 25 doctoral degrees and 29 associate degrees, according to a university release.
In early April the university made the decision to give nursing students temporary licenses to begin work in hospitals and other medical facilities.
The class features 122 international students from 27 different countries. India boasts the largest number of foreign graduates, with 47.
According to the release, the two youngest graduating students are 18.
One is earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and the other an associate degree in technical study. The oldest graduate is 72, earning a master’s degree in earth sciences.
Graduates by college:
- College of Liberal Arts: 415
- College of Engineering and Computer Science: 347
- Raj Soin College of Business: 345
- College of Science and Mathematics: 324
- College of Education and Human Services: 304
- College of Nursing and Health: 200
- Lake Campus: 153
The uncertainty ahead
Despite finding the positives in this uncertain time, there is also an air of worry for the future.
During this time of graduation is also the time to enter the job market. But with a pandemic, the job search has become increasingly difficult.
“Graduation doesn’t feel real,” Kramer said. “It feels unfinished, I feel like we didn’t get to say goodbye to our friends or professors. And now we are thrown into the job search abyss.”
Wright State is currently hosting different online resources in an effort to provide recent graduates connections to jobs.
“I’m spending it [end of the semester] worrying about what’s next, instead of being happy & hopeful about our next steps for the future,” Textor said.
In person commencement has not been determined but may take place in the fall.
Resources for students can be found at Wright State Career Services or click here.
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