Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2020 Moved to May
(Photo courtesy of Gettysburg College)
By Katie Oglesby, News Editor
Special Projects Coordinator Katie Barako informed the class of 2020 today, via email, that the commencement ceremony originally rescheduled for October 9 and 10 has been postponed again due to the health and safety concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the email, members of the class of 2020 will now have their in-person commencement ceremony in May 2021. Commencement was originally rescheduled for the fall in late March.
Barako explains that the decision was made due to Gettysburg’s commitment to welcoming students back to campus for the fall semester. Health experts, the College’s working groups, and state guidance all contributed to commencement’s additional postponement.
The email also noted that the Gettysburg Hotel will be cancelling all reservations — including the ones families made for October 9 and 10 prior to today’s announcement. These cancellations are partially due to the hotel being used as a way to reduce student density on campus. Barako notes that the hotel will be in contact with those whose reservations are impacted by this decision.
“Health and safety remain our driving priority,” Barako said, “but it does not override our commitment to celebrate your great accomplishments in the way that you deserve, in person, when the circumstances become more manageable and safe.”
According to Barako, more details will be forthcoming.
