Photo courtesy of Stonehill.edu
By Max Peebles
The College announced today that Commencement has been moved to Sunday, August 9.
In an email sent to the senior class and families, President Father John Denning, C.S.C., said, “Given the current situation, I do not believe holding Commencement in May is prudent. As I mentioned previously, I am committed to holding this special day to celebrate together all of your achievements over the past four years.”
Denning said he hopes the new date of August 9 will give the College enough time to ensure that the Stonehill community can come together in person to celebrate the Class of 2020.
“As for the decision to move Commencement, given the current health crisis and the uncertainty about the path it will continue to take, we recognized that May 17 was not a realistic date for a large group to gather to celebrate our seniors,” Vice President for Student Affairs Pauline Dobrowski said. “In identifying a new date, we wanted to choose a day that hopefully gives us the greatest chance of being able to come together in person, thus we selected early August, prior to any students returning for the new academic year.”
Denning additionally said that activities are being planned for members of the senior class from Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9. “The Offices of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs will be in touch soon with further details of how this celebratory weekend will unfold,” Denning said.
“I’m really thankful that Fr. John is committed to doing graduation in-person,” senior Cassie Monteiro said, “I know people who had their graduations canceled all together. I’m glad we get to go back for one final weekend so I can see all my friends on campus one last time.”
The “traditional events” are being planned, Dobrowski said. This includes, the Alumni BBQ, Commencement Rehearsal, Baccalaureate Mass, Commencement Eve Reception, and Commencement.
Dobrowski said that the Office of Student Engagement is also looking to plan an event that Friday night which could be a combination of cherished senior events, such as 50 Days and the Senior Formal. “Details on that night are still to be determined,” Dobrowski said.
Senior Johnny Bartel was pleased to hear that the College is still making the effort to hold these events. “I like that they're trying to salvage the rest of our senior year,” Bartel said. “I’m just hoping that this new date and these new events will mark a return to normalcy.”
On Monday at 11:30 a.m., Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Kevin Piskadlo, Director of Student Engagement Steve Pagios, and the SGA Executive Board, will host an online forum for seniors to talk about the weekend of graduation and to share ideas regarding possible activities. The Office of Student Engagement sent an email with the link to the online forum. “I encourage all those interested to join that meeting,” Dobrowski said.
In his email today, President Denning concluded with his commitment to hold an in-person Commencement ceremony and with words of encouragement for the senior families.
“Seeing you and your families is something I truly look forward to later this summer. As I recognize this has been an incredibly challenging time, please know you all remain in my prayers,” Denning said. “I encourage you to maintain focus on your studies, as before you know it, you will be walking down Donahue hill and across the Commencement stage.”
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