WILLIAM & MARY — The Class of 2020 will be getting an in-person celebration after all.
William & Mary announced on Friday that the Class of 2020 will be invited back to experience an in-person commencement over Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Oct. 7-10, 2021.
This decision came after the college received results from a class-wide poll that went out on April 1. After receiving 1,226 responses, the poll closed April 30.
The Class of 2020, made up of 2,125 members, both undergraduate and graduate, celebrated their success virtually last May. Students submitted videos of themselves ringing bells of all shapes and sizes, a reference to the campus tradition of graduating seniors ringing the Wren bell, as well as speeches from many commencement speakers.
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While the virtual ceremony was indeed notable, it was still a watered-down version compared to what October has in store for the class.
“The class of 2020 has had to be enormously patient. The university has never forgotten our commitment to celebrating them,” said Ginger Ambler, vice president of student affairs at William & Mary.
She added that one of the most important aspects of planning the celebration was that the Class of 2020 wanted to celebrate together.
The ceremony will allow the Class of 2020 to partake in the in-person traditions that they missed last spring, including ringing the Wren Bell, a candlelight ceremony, and a walk across campus. An actual commencement ceremony will then take place on Sunday, Oct 10.
Family and friends of the Class of 2020 are also invited to help cheer on the graduates in a celebration much overdue.
“As always, the health and well-being of our entire community is our top priority. We will continue to follow the guidance from the commonwealth for in-person gatherings to ensure that everyone can gather together safely,” Ambler said.
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