ISSUED: 25 February 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University will be celebrating its 148th Commencement on Saturday, May 8, with in-person, socially distanced events that will allow a limited number of family members to see their graduate walk across the stage.
The plans include a baccalaureate convocation for undergraduate degree candidates to hear remarks by Shepherd’s president, guest speaker, and senior class president.
After the convocation, a series of graduate walks will occur for undergraduate candidates by college. Four family members will be allowed to escort their student to see them walk across the stage. There will be several photo opportunities with professional photographers, including a group photo of the family members with their student.
Due to the smaller number of students receiving master’s and doctoral degrees, a socially distanced seated ceremony observing COVID-19 safety protocols will be held for those graduate degree candidates and limited guests.
Also included in the day’s events will be a make-up graduate walk for last year’s graduating students whose commencement ceremony was forced to be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All participants will be required to sign-up in advance for the events that day. Masks and social distancing will be required by all participants and their guests. Degree candidates will be required to wear caps and gowns to participate in the events.
Because of the limited number of guests allowed this year (for safety reasons), all events will be livestreamed so family and friends can view the proceedings.
Additional information will be posted on Shepherd’s website March 8. Degree recipients and their families will be able to view the schedule of events and registration instructions to help them plan their attendance.
Shepherd is in talks with local area high schools about using the university’s facilities for their own in-person ceremonies this year.
— 30 —
