June 18, 2020
Dear Class of 2020,
It’s been one month since our virtual conferral ceremony. I don’t normally check in with our graduates so soon after they receive their degrees, but nothing about this year has been normal. I encourage you to keep in touch, and let us know how you are doing.
I want to catch you up on plans for the Class of 2020 in-person commencement. As you probably already know, based on guidance from the District of Columbia, we will be unable to celebrate this event on August 5-7. We had hoped to be more advanced in the District of Columbia’s ReOpen DC plan, but the District has indicated that it will not approve a gathering of the size we need until a vaccine is developed.
Graduation is a major milestone in the lives of our graduates and the loved ones who have supported them on their educational journey. We are resolved to honor that, not just virtually but live and on campus.
We envision a Baccalaureate Mass followed by a class gala on Friday late afternoon and evening, then a commencement ceremony and a reception on Saturday late morning and afternoon. Final details will be subject to the progress of the COVID-19 virus and to local and federal guidance. We will provide updates as next steps become clear.
This is an unprecedented time in history, and the challenges you face as recent graduates are unique. We will rise above these challenges and create a memorable experience for our graduates and families.
Sincerely,
John Garvey
I want to catch you up on plans for the Class of 2020 in-person commencement. As you probably already know, based on guidance from the District of Columbia, we will be unable to celebrate this event on August 5-7. We had hoped to be more advanced in the District of Columbia’s ReOpen DC plan, but the District has indicated that it will not approve a gathering of the size we need until a vaccine is developed.
Graduation is a major milestone in the lives of our graduates and the loved ones who have supported them on their educational journey. We are resolved to honor that, not just virtually but live and on campus.
We envision a Baccalaureate Mass followed by a class gala on Friday late afternoon and evening, then a commencement ceremony and a reception on Saturday late morning and afternoon. Final details will be subject to the progress of the COVID-19 virus and to local and federal guidance. We will provide updates as next steps become clear.
This is an unprecedented time in history, and the challenges you face as recent graduates are unique. We will rise above these challenges and create a memorable experience for our graduates and families.
Sincerely,
John Garvey