NEW PALTZ – The SUNY New Paltz in-person graduation for this year’s seniors will not be held until May 2021.
Instead of marching into a graduation ceremony to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” this year’s graduates will participate in a virtual, pre-recorded commencement ceremony on May 22 at 1 p.m. to recognize candidates and graduates in this uncertain time with the coronaviral pandemic.
Those eligible to participate will be recognized individually in a slide show that features their degree, major, academic honors, and a photo and quote of their choice.
“Our number one priority is to provide our graduates and candidates with the opportunity to return to campus for a safe, in-person commencement celebration next year to recognize their years of hard work and accomplishments in earning a college degree,” said President Donald Christian.
The college is organizing the virtual event in collaboration with a third-party company, MarchingOrder, to create virtual graduate and undergraduate ceremonies that will include brief, pre-recorded commencement speeches broadcast in accessible video formats; verbal announcements of each individual graduate’s name; and customized slides featuring personal recognition, photos, and messages from each graduate.
