Editor’s note: The location for the Spartan Send-off BBQ has been updated. The event now will be held at Van Horn Field.
When undergraduate members of the Case Western Reserve University Class of 2024 cross the stage at commencement in May, it will mark the first such occasion for many: Those who graduated high school in 2020 likely had their ceremonies canceled in the midst of COVID-19 lockdowns and social-distancing mandates.
To help make this experience even more memorable for these students as well as all the others celebrating remarkable achievements of earning their degrees, all members of the Case Western Reserve community are invited to join in on university-wide events during commencement week. On Wednesday, May 15, there will be three opportunities to join together and show your support.
Second annual clap out
Set to take place at 3 p.m.,the clap out is an opportunity for faculty and staff members to gather along the main pathway on the Case Quad and applaud graduates as they process from the Binary Walkway near Adelbert Hall on to the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center. Those attending should plan to be in place on the Case Quad by 2:45 p.m. As President Kaler noted in a message to campus earlier this month, supervisors should plan ahead so those who wish to participate are able to do so, including both exempt and non-exempt staff.
Convocation
Convocation will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Vinton Cerf, vice president and chief internet evangelist for Google, who is widely known as one of the “fathers of the internet.”
Spartan Send-off BBQ
Immediately following convocation and Cerf’s address, the campus community can join the graduates on Van Horn Field for food, fun and music at the convocation barbecue.
Faculty and staff should register to attend all events. The registration form includes an option for staff to sign up to volunteer during Commencement Week, as well as a link to order regalia for faculty and senior staff who will participate in the academic procession to convocation or in a diploma ceremony.
Details for each school’s commencement ceremonies can be found on the commencement website.