SPSCC, Evergreen commencements to go virtual in June
South Puget Sound Community College and The Evergreen State College will celebrate spring commencement virtually this June.
Nearly 1,500 SPSCC graduates will be honored at its virtual event at 10 a.m. June 20, as well as on a special new graduation website.
“This was not an easy decision to make,” said SPSCC president Dr. Timothy Stokes said in a statement. “We know this isn’t the ceremony we all expected, but we’re extremely proud of our graduates for completing their degree during this challenging time. They deserve tremendous recognition.”
The virtual SPSCC ceremony will maintain several aspects of a traditional commencement, including an address from the president and faculty members, but will also celebrate in new ways, such a displaying a virtual diploma for each graduate while their names are read aloud.
Graduates, friends, and family can help share the celebration on social media with hashtag #spscc.
Evergreen will be host a virtual commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. June 12.
“After conversations with representatives from the senior class, we have decided to go ahead with a video event to celebrate the accomplishments and success of our grads,” Evergreen President George Bridges said in a statement. “Although we’re disappointed not to be together in person, our goal now is to build a unique Evergreen celebration that brings our community together to honor our students.”
While details for the virtual ceremony are being worked out, the plan is to broadcast commencement speakers, honorees and musicians as well as performances from the college’s renowned Center for Creative and Applied Media. Graduates will receive mortar boards, printed programs and other regalia by mail, and will be invited to share photos and join watch groups to celebrate with fellow grads.
For those 2020 graduates who still want the full flavor of a joyous open-air Evergreen-style commencement, the college said they will be invited to walk with the graduating class of 2021 next year.
This story was originally published April 16, 2020 at 5:45 AM.