ASU, UA, NAU prepare for virtual graduations due to virus outbreak
May 7, 2020, 4:25 AM
(Arizona State University Photo)
(Arizona State University Photo)
PHOENIX — Arizona’s three state universities are gearing up to hold virtual graduation ceremonies because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Northern Arizona University will be the first to hold a virtual spring commencement on Friday.
The 11 a.m. ceremony will feature a pre-recorded celebration of student accomplishments and personalized slides for each graduate.
The ceremony will be available to be viewed online through the summer, the university said.
Arizona State University will hold its commencement ceremonies for its almost 16,400 graduates on Monday and Tuesday at 9 a.m. dependent on specialized schools.
The Monday ceremony will include congratulatory messages from former ASU commencement speakers, notable alumni and the undergraduate student government president.
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ASU President Michael Crow will be the keynote speaker.
The university has said it will allow spring graduates to walk in either the December 2020 or May 2021 commencements.
“Obviously this is a departure from our usual format, but ASU’s desire to celebrate our students remains the same,” Crow said in a press release. “Our students have worked hard and demonstrated amazing resilience to reach this milestone.
“We are excited to recognize their achievements and acknowledge those who helped them thrive.”
The University of Arizona will hold its virtual ceremony on May 15 at 6 p.m.
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Mountain climber and New York Times bestseller Alison Levine will serve as the keynote speaker.
The university is also planning to hold an in-person graduation on Oct. 30.
All three universities transitioned to online classes for the remainder of the semester following the emergence of coronavirus earlier this year.
