Why hold one graduation when you can have six?

With the pandemic still a significant factor in our daily lives, that’s the approach that Neumann University is taking, scheduling three ceremonies for Saturday, May 15 and another three for Sunday, May 16.

“By segmenting our commencement exercises and closely observing public health protocols, we are confident that we can create safe opportunities for a limited number of family members to participate in celebrating their loved ones who have earned a Neumann University degree,” said Dr. Chris Domes, university president.

Students will graduate in groups of 100, each permitted to have only two guests at the event. The six commencement exercises will be held under a tent on the front lawn of the Mirenda Center on Convent Road. Masks are required for students and guests.

The three graduation ceremonies on May 15, scheduled for 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM, are for the Class of 2021. The Class of 2020, for which there was no in-person event last year, will return to campus for its commencement on May 16 at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM.

The 10 AM ceremony each day is for students who have earned graduate degrees. All afternoon events are for undergraduate students.

Daniel Mulhall, Ireland’s ambassador to the U.S., and his wife Greta will speak at the 1 PM ceremony on Saturday. Both will receive honorary degrees from the university. Before arriving in Washington, D.C., Mulhall served as Ireland’s ambassador to London, Germany, and Malaysia. 

In other measures meant to protect students and guests from coronavirus, seating will be organized to observe social-distancing guidelines and recorded music will replace live music at every ceremony.