Dear Class of 2020,
Commencement is a time we greatly anticipate to celebrate
your accomplishments and new beginnings, as well as to come together as a
University community. We know our current circumstances have impacted how we do
that, so on May 16, the University of Minnesota will honor you during a virtual
commencement. Please join us at 11 a.m. CDT for an online celebration for you,
your family, and your friends. If you can’t make it at that time — don’t worry.
You will be able to view it afterward and it will be accessible online until
June 30, 2020. You and your family don’t even need to be physically together — you
can share access with whomever you want.
The theme for the celebration is “Hail to Thee!” the
University’s alma mater and a reference from Minnesota’s state song chosen to
reflect the University’s admiration for your incredible resilience in these
stressful times.
To kick-start the virtual celebrations, you will soon
receive an email from MarchingOrder, a graduation platform, requesting that you
provide a photo* which will be used to create a personalized presentation to
commemorate this special moment in your academic life. Please upload your
information by April 29, 2020.
In the spirit of retaining traditions, we will be sending
you a package with items to help commemorate this special day. Please confirm
your mailing address on this form to ensure we send it to where you are
residing now. You will need to confirm your mailing address by May 6, or you
may not receive your package in time. If you would like to purchase additional
graduation items, you may do so online. We look forward to sharing more ways to
honor your hard work, including a virtual graduation toolbox as well as
interactive social media resources. We will be sending more details as May 16
draws closer.
Though the University will not be able to hold in-person
commencement ceremonies in May, we are committed to recognizing your
accomplishments this fall and will follow guidance from state and federal
health care experts to announce dates and plans.
We wish all of you the very best and look forward to
recognizing your achievements both remotely and in person. Hail to Thee!, Class
of 2020. Please stay healthy, safe, and well.
Visit z.umn.edu/commencement2020 and
d.umn.edu/commencement for further information.
With warmest regards,
Joan Gabel, President, University of Minnesota
Lendley Black, Chancellor, University of Minnesota Duluth
Saturday, May 16, 11-11:30 a.m. CDT
Google | iCal | Outlook
*Just like a live ceremony, this virtual one is for our
whole community to celebrate your academic accomplishments. Please be sure that
the photo/slide you submit features just you, not other people or messages. We
invite you to wear a cap and gown if you have them, dress wear, or official
University of Minnesota apparel. We reserve the right to not include your
photo/slide in the ceremony if your photo/slide doesn’t comply with any of
these guidelines.
