With thousands of live viewers on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, Wright State University (WSU) hosted its 2020 commencement ceremony online to celebrate over 2,000 Dayton Campus Spring 2020 graduates and Lake Campus Summer 2019 through Spring 2020 graduates.
The ceremony was held online in order to follow Ohio coronavirus guidelines, but to still give graduates and their families a chance to celebrate their accomplishments.
The commencement ceremony featured speeches from Faculty President Laura Luehrmann, WSU Provost Douglas Leaman, former Student Body President Ivan Mallett and WSU President Susan Edwards.
Deciding to hold the ceremony online
The choice to move to a virtual commencement ceremony was over a long period of time, and it was just as tough to make the decision for administrators as it was for graduates to receive the news.
“From the very beginning, our [The Commencement Committee’s] goal had been to have some sort of face-to-face commencement, because it was clear that was what students wanted. That was what everyone wanted,” said Luehrmann. “But as the pandemic worsened over the summer and it became clear that we would still face restrictions on gathering indoors, we grudgingly made the recommendation to President Edwards to plan for a virtual ceremony.”
In an email to all WSU students on Oct.14, President Edwards admitted her disappointment in an online ceremony, but reassured graduates that commencement is a day that all involved will remember.
“Commencement is a day that our graduates and families cherish! I know that because it is a day I cherish while watching individuals beam with pride as they are handed a diploma in front of their families and friends. Sadly, the current COVID-19 pandemic prevents us from experiencing that wonderful in-person celebration.” Edwards wrote.
Luehrmann shared the disappointment with President Edwards, but she was happy to see all of those who attended and gave positive feedback.
“Commencement day, I’m one of the first people over at the Nutter center. This is why we do what we do, to help students to get from start to finish…But I think that the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, both from current students, some of our alumni, and others in the community. I think that came from the realization that this wasn’t what we wanted to do, but this is what we had to do.” said Luehrmann.
In their speeches, Luehrmann and Edwards talked about the problems facing the graduates.
“The class of 2020 has already shown it’s grit,” Luehrmann said. “Each and every one of you has already demonstrated your perseverance, your adaptability, and your determination.”
“The COVID pandemic has disrupted all of our lives, and the lives of many people throughout the globe. But the adaptability and resilience that you have all displayed during the spring semester will in fact serve you well in your future endeavors… To complete [a degree] during a global pandemic is nothing short of heroic. You are inspirational.” Edwards said.
When talking about addressing COVID in her and Edwards’s speeches, Luehrmann said, “I believe in telling it like it is. I think that we have to acknowledge that we’re doing our best, we’re trying to make this celebratory and honor everyone’s achievements… but we have to acknowledge as well that this isn’t fun. There’s a lot of sadness and fear and concern there.”
A graduate’s perspective
Wyatt Stahl, a graduate of the class of 2020, pushed for an in-person graduation, but was indifferent about an online graduation.
“When they first sent out a survey to see what we should do, I pushed for an in-person graduation, mainly so my family could come. It really doesn’t matter to me whether the graduation is in-person or online, as long as my family could celebrate with me,” Stahl said.
Stahl said that he was indifferent about the graduation mainly because it was held so late, after he had already received his degree.
“The graduation was so far down the line, I had received my diploma, and I was already a few months into medical school, so I kind of forgot about it,” Stahl said. “I do think, though, that Wright State made the right decision to hold an online ceremony, I just think it could have been held earlier.”
Fall commencement
Just like the 2020 spring commencement, it was announced recently that the fall 2020 commencement will be held virtually as well, and it can be assumed that the commencement will follow a similar format.
The summer and fall 2020 commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 p.m. If you are interested in seeing the ceremony, it will be streamed live on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
You can also find more information on the Wright State Website here: https://www.wright.edu/event/commencement-graduation-ceremony
