Newman University celebrated 209 spring graduates during its annual commencement ceremony May 8, 2020, along with 108 fall graduates who were also recognized during the ceremony.
Due to the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the gathering restrictions that were in place at the time, the university held its first-ever online commencement ceremony.
The virtual event contained all the same pieces as an in-person ceremony with the exception of the awarding of the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. The 2020 honor will be presented to its recipient at a later date.
The graduates may walk in cap and gown during a future in-person commencement ceremony if they choose.
Newman University Board Chair J.T. Klaus voiced a special message to the class of 2020. He presented the graduating class with a challenge: “Be tempered by the historic events of 2020 but do not let yourself be defined by them. The Board of Trustees wants you to know that you are not our ‘COVID-19’ class of Newman University. You are and forever will be regarded as the Newman University Class of 2020.”
The list of spring graduates and their respective degrees and majors can be found here.
The 2020 Spring Commencement ceremony can be viewed on the Newman University YouTube channel.
