Traditional Commencement planned for October 2020
From: President <President@manchester.edu>
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2020 4:32 PM
To: 2020 Grads-UG <2020Grads-UG@manchester.edu>; 2020 Grads- GR & PHARMD <2020Grads-_GR_PHARMD@spartansmanchester.onmicrosoft.com>
Subject: Traditional Commencement planned for October 2020
Dear Class of 2020,
I am delighted to announce that we are rescheduling Commencement for the Class of 2020. All of us at Manchester University were disappointed when we canceled our May commencement. Nothing can ever replace that for you.
When we surveyed you about preferences, there was an overwhelming preference for an in-person Commencement ceremony. This was far and away the first choice over a virtual ceremony or simply a celebration. Your comments reflected the same: Most of you want this in person. As one student said, “I would prefer any live celebration, on any date, over a virtual one!” As the one who gets to shake your hand, I couldn’t agree more.
We picked the weekend of fall break, Oct. 17-18 for a variety of reasons. First, we hope it is far enough out that we won’t need to postpone it again. Given the uncertainties ahead, a summer date might have been bumped. In addition, holding it during the academic year means that faculty and friends can celebrate with you and your family. Finally, fall break will allow us to focus our attention on you rather than have your celebration compete with Homecoming activities or athletics. Parking will be plentiful and campus should look spectacular.
There is much to plan for October and we will have more details to share in the weeks ahead. Specific details about timing will follow. Here’s an outline of events to take place on the North Manchester campus:
- Saturday, Oct. 17, Pharm.D. Hooding Ceremony and Graduate and Professional Commencement (Pharm.D., MAT, MS in PGx)
- Sunday, Oct. 18, Undergraduate and M.Acct. Commencement
Look for an email about regalia and, in the meantime, you can send questions to graduation@manchester.edu.
The world desperately needs more Manchester graduates, and we all look forward to celebrating your milestone achievement together.
Thank you,
Dave
Dave McFadden
President
Manchester University
260-982-5050