ISSUED: 18 August 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University is postponing the 147th commencement ceremony for the class of 2020 that was scheduled to take place in October to May 2021. The postponement is due to the current trends in positive COVID-19 cases, the variability of the hotspots, building capacity restrictions, and the social distancing and face-covering orders that are in effect.
The 147th Commencement ceremony, originally scheduled for May 9, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shepherd celebrated the class of 2020 with a virtual ceremony.
“We are disappointed but know this is in the best interest of everyone’s safety and the overall experience of the most important event we host at Shepherd University,” said Dr. Jennifer Flora, commencement committee chair.
In a message sent to graduates, Flora said “We are fully committed to celebrating your success and honoring you with your own ceremony. Your ceremony will be separate from the already scheduled May 2021 ceremony.”
The commencement committee will release additional details about plans for May 2021 in an email during the fall semester after they have been finalized.
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