University Announces Tentative Commencement Schedule

University+Announces+Tentative+Commencement+Schedule

The University recently announced tentative plans for in-person commencement events for both the Classes of 2020 and 2021 over Mother’s Day Weekend, May 8-9. 

Commencement exercises will be conducted in the Stokes Athletics Center. They will also be live-streamed and recorded. 

University officials said they have worked hard to reimagine the commencement ceremonies in a way that incorporates smaller gatherings, social distancing and respect for the guidelines outlined by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.

“We are building on the successes of the in-person summer 2020 sessions and the successes of the in-person fall 2020 semester to make commencement happen,” said University President Father Malachi. 

“There is much hard work yet to be done.”

Due to the pandemic, last spring’s scheduled commencement exercises for the Class of 2020 were canceled. The University’s upcoming 170th commencement ceremony for the classes of 2020 and 2021 will allow a limited number of guests of graduates to attend. 

SFU 2020 Class President Emily Graziano played an important role in making an in-person commencement become a reality for last year’s graduates. 

“I am proud to be the president of such an incredible, talented and hard-working group of students,” said Graziano. “It’s easy to lead a group who demonstrate leadership qualities every single day.”

2020 graduates expressed via social media, email and through feedback on a survey that they wanted to return to Loretto to celebrate their graduation from the University face-to-face when it became safe to do so.

“That weekend is always moving for me, as I’ve witnessed the transformation of each student during his or her time at Saint Francis,” said Father Malachi. 

“Commencement means finally being able to celebrate and commend each well-deserved student for his and her accomplishments,” said Graziano.

 

Tentative Commencement Schedule:

Saturday, May 8

9 a.m.: School of STEAM and Francis Worldwide (Undergraduate)

1 p.m.: Shields School of Business

5 p.m.: Baccalaureate Mass

Sunday, May 9

9 a.m.: School of Health Sciences and Education (Undergraduate)

1 p.m.: School of Health Sciences and Education (Graduate) and Francis Worldwide (Graduate)