Northwestern University announced today that it will hold in-person graduation ceremonies for 2020 graduates in June 2021 — close to next year’s graduation ceremonies.
In a message to the soon-to-be-graduates, NU President Morton Schapiro said the school still plans a virtual commencement ceremony on June 19 this year, and that because some students may not be able to attend the in-person event next year, the school plans to make this year’s virtual ceremony “every bit as rich and meaningful as possible.”
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been announced as this year’s commencement speaker.
Schapiro said public health experts have suggested “it may be some time before it is safe to hold large-scale public gatherings,” and that’s why the school has decided to postpone the in-person event for a full year.
He said tentative plans are to have the in-person ceremony on Saturday, June 12, 2021.
And he said the school will be providing graduation regalia to students for free this year that they can wear again for the in-person ceremony next year.