The decision to hold UP’s 2021 commencement virtually left many graduating students and their families disappointed. In an attempt to address this, the University will be hosting a Pre-Commencement Graduate Recognition Event outdoors on May 7.
The event is only open to graduating students, and those residing outside of Oregon are “discouraged to travel to Portland to participate” based on CDC guidance on travel, according to the email announcement from University President Fr. Mark Poorman. It will be livestreamed for family and friends to watch from home.
Gathering restrictions mean the event will be hosted in several sessions throughout the day. Graduating students will wear their regalia and will have their name read aloud. There will be a stage to walk across and to have pictures taken with Poorman and the student’s academic dean, the email said. The commemorative photos will be taken by a professional photographer and sent to students for free.
“We realize that a virtual Commencement ceremony and the on-campus Pre-Commencement Graduate Recognition Event… do not constitute the college graduation experience that members of the Class of 2021 had been for; yet, we continue to apply our best efforts in celebrating our graduates…,” the email said.
Another email will be sent to the Class of 2021 later this week with details about submitting addresses for delivery of Commencement Boxes, RSVP forms for the Pre-Commencement event, and uploading a picture and name pronunciation for the virtual Commencement ceremony on May 9.
Austin De Dios is the News and Managing Editor of The Beacon. He can be reached at dedios22@up.edu.
