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VWU Plans for In-Person Commencement Ceremonies in May
The University hopes to return to typical graduation traditions for the Class of 2021
University News | February 16, 2021
Virginia Wesleyan University is actively planning to host in-person Commencement Ceremonies this May for the Class of 2021, President Scott D. Miller has announced. Separate ceremonies will be held for each of the academic schools on May 8 and 16.
“As we approach the one-year mark of the start of the pandemic at VWU,” said Dr. Miller, "I know we are all eager to get back to normal and continue with traditions and activities that make the college years so special. As more and more Virginians are vaccinated each day and case numbers trend downward, it is our sincerest hope and belief that come this spring the Commonwealth of Virginia will be allowing larger gatherings.”
On Saturday, May 8, separate Commencement Ceremonies will be held for the Birdsong School of Social Science, Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, and D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies. All ceremonies will take place on campus in TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Times for each ceremony are still to be determined.
VWU Global Campus students—which includes VWU Online and Evening & Weekend—will graduate on Sunday, May 16. This ceremony will also take place in TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, with the time to be determined.
As previously announced, the 2021 Commencement speaker will be Dr. Timothy Carter, President of the environmental organization Second Nature. The traditional Baccalaureate Service will be offered virtually on Friday, May 7, at 7:00 p.m. and the guest speaker will be Dr. David R. Black.
“It is our hope and intention to celebrate this most special occasion in person provided that our state government has deemed it safe to do so," said President Miller. "We are actively planning these events and graduates of the Class of 2021 can expect to hear more details in the coming weeks.”
Visit the Commencement Ceremonies webpage for the most up-to-date information.