DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — St. Norbert College in De Pere says it will have a virtual graduation ceremony this year.
The COVID-19 pandemic initially pushed spring commencement to Aug. 29.
The college hoped it would be able to host an in-person ceremony by then.
However, given the uncertainty of the pandemic and not being able to find a venue large enough to allow social distancing for both students and guests, the college ultimately decided to hold a virtual one instead.
In a statement, President Brian Bruess, wrote:
Dear Class of 2020,
Hundreds of you completed our Commencement committee’s survey a couple of weeks ago; thank you for that. Taking your feedback into account, we have carefully weighed the options for your Commencement exercises.
As you know, it was our hope and our goal to celebrate with you in person. I’m sorry to say, though, that given the continued uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, and faced with the restrictions it presents, we have determined that the best course is to move forward with virtual Commencement exercises on Saturday, Aug. 29.
I know this will come as a disappointment to you; I share that disappointment. It may ease your mind a bit to know how carefully we considered the options, and what drove our decision-making process:
Early on in deliberations, the committee ruled out the Jim Kress Gymnasium on campus. With physical distancing employed, it would barely accommodate the graduates and the faculty – few, if any, guests would be allowed.
Next, in keeping with a suggestion made by many of you, the committee explored larger venues in the area. The Resch Center has a concert scheduled on that night. I personally reached out to leadership in the Packers organization to use Lambeau Field; sadly but understandably, that was not something they could say yes to.
The committee then drew up schemas for Schneider Stadium, keeping in mind the required physical distancing but assuming each grad could sit in close proximity to the family members with whom they live. Still, our best scenarios allowed very few guests per student. Just as important, the whole celebration would be contingent on the weather, with the distinct possibility that day-of storms would result in cancellation – a scenario we believe would be the most disappointing of all.
Finally, we grappled with the continuing “big unknown” – the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19. We cannot be certain what Aug. 29 might hold, and many of you, and your families, are solidifying your plans for the rest of the summer. Building your calendar around a Commencement event that health authorities might ultimately not permit would be frustrating indeed.
At the end of the day, we were left with no viable options for an in-person celebration of any kind. Again turning to you and your classmates for input, the committee learned that your top preference for an alternative (chosen by 40 percent of you) would be a virtual ceremony to be held on Aug. 29.
So, that is what we will do. Please mark your calendar now for a 4 p.m. CDT virtual Commencement ceremony on that day, and we’ll provide more details in the days ahead.
I want to assure you that in all our exploration of Commencement options, there was one option we did not consider: failing to honor you and celebrate your achievements. You’ve earned your day. We will celebrate it in the best way we are able.
Aug. 29 will be a joyous occasion, one I hope you and your family look forward to as much as all of us do at the college.
Until then, stay well, Class of 2020.
The virtual ceremony will 4 p.m.
St. Norbert College expects to release more details on the event in the near future.
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