ISSUED: 26 March 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University has announced that it will alter the way it will celebrate commencement for its 2020 graduates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Scott Beard, provost, has announced that the undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies originally scheduled for Saturday, May 9, will now be replaced with a virtual recognition.
Beard said graduates will receive information about how to submit photos, videos, and social media posts for an interactive montage that will be made available in an online video. Beard said they will also receive information from the Shepherd University Bookstore about distribution and return of regalia. Diplomas will be mailed in May.
“We recognize the hard work graduates have put into their degree program and realize there are challenges over the next four weeks of instruction as they complete coursework,” Beard said. “We are so grateful for the dedication they’ve shown in these unprecedented and extraordinary times. Shepherd is committed to celebrating their graduation, and we appreciate how important it is to have alternative options to commemorate their achievements.”
In addition to a virtual recognition on May 9, there will be two other opportunities for 2020 graduates to receive recognition. A special in-person celebration will take place during Homecoming, which is scheduled the last week in October. This year’s graduates will also be able to participate in the 2021 commencement ceremony.
Graduating students are encouraged to keep up to date by visiting Shepherd’s commencement webpage at https://www.shepherd.edu/commencement.
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