Photo courtesy of Gordon State College
STAFF REPORT :::
Gordon State College will hold a virtual graduation ceremony for its spring graduates at 9 a.m. May 15.
Graduates will be recognized online in a ceremony that will be accessible to their families and friends.
An additional on-campus ceremony during which graduates will walk the stage to receive their diplomas is also tentatively scheduled for Aug. 9, pending Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus group gathering guidelines.
State university officials in March announced the cancellation of graduation ceremonies at all 26 schools in the University System of Georgia. In the days since, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs C. Jeffery Knighton said the college received comments and suggestions for alternative ways to celebrate graduates.
“As we move though this global health challenge, we needed to find an alternative way to celebrate the achievements of Highlander Nation. We also acknowledge that this global crisis could impact them landing a job upon graduation or upend their plans for graduate school,” said President Kirk A. Nooks. “Our commitment to them will not end after May 2020.”
In addition to making the virtual ceremony accessible to family members and friends, Gordon will also send each graduate a program of the event to share with family and friends.
“While circumstances may not allow us to celebrate your accomplishments in the traditional sense in May, we still want to give you the recognition and accolades that you deserve,” Knighton said. “The past few weeks have been challenging for all of us, and we share your sadness and disappointment in not being able to hold a commencement ceremony on campus this spring. Please know that we are here for you and are committed to your success.”
The virtual service in May will recognize each graduate individually with a personalized slide and each graduate’s name will be read, just as it would happen in the original ceremony. As part of the virtual ceremony, Gordon requested each student to submit a photo and encouraged them to wear their official regalia or formal attire.
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