No student would have anticipated the last two months of their Case Western Reserve University experience would have looked like this: remote classes, Zoom calls to “see” friends, a virtual commencement.
But while it is an unconventional ending, it’s just part of the Class of 2020’s story.
We talked with a few students—some of whom we also connected with during their first days on campus in 2016—about their time at Case Western Reserve, from orientation to commencement, and what’s next on their journey.
Commencement Details
Whether you’re graduating as part of the Class of 2020 or want to support our newest alumni, members of the Case Western Reserve community are invited to watch virtual commencement ceremonies this weekend.
On Sunday, May 17, beginning at 9 a.m. EDT, ceremonies will be posted on the commencement website and on the university/school Facebook pages for viewing. The approximately 35-minute virtual convocation ceremony will include pre-recorded video messages from President Barbara R. Snyder, and reflections from convocation speaker William F. Baker and Alumni Association President Arnold Huffman, along with the presentation of the Hovorka Prize, honorary degrees, and the official degree conferral.
In addition, each school has a separate diploma ceremony video that includes congratulatory messages from school leaders. The online platform allows graduates to be recognized for their accomplishments via individual graduate slides. There will be a separate link posted for each school on the commencement website, and school-specific ceremonies will be posted on school Facebook pages, while the Undergraduate and Graduate Studies ceremonies will stream through the main CWRU page. (Not sure which ceremony to watch? Identify degrees awarded at each diploma ceremony.)
Individuals are encouraged to use the hashtag #CWRUGrad2020 and make sure to tag CWRU so we can share your celebratory posts. Looking for other ways you can celebrate? Download CWRU yard signs, GIFs, Instagram stickers, Facebook frames and more.