Reminder: Fiat Virtual Celebration of our Class of 2020
This reminder email was sent to our students earlier today:
As you know, the COVID-19 outbreak forced us to postpone Commencement until December 19. The disappointment that you feel at missing a culminating May ceremony is shared by our entire Alfred University community.
This is a reminder note that we have organized a Virtual Celebration to help mark the occasion of your graduation. While this event could never replace the traditional Commencement, it will provide your graduating class an opportunity to commemorate the occasion of your graduation, and to experience the sense of pride that comes with earning your degrees.
The online ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16. Joining me as speakers for the ceremony will be Greg Connors ’92, chair of our Board of Trustees; Peter Cuneo ’67, ’13 HD, member and chair emeritus of our Board of Trustees, and our December Commencement speaker; our two Marlin Miller Outstanding Seniors, Anastasia Campbell and Amber Smith; and our deans, who will offer their congratulations. We expect the event to last for 30-45 minutes.
If you have the time, we ask that you don your cap and gown (which you should have received by now), take a selfie, and upload the image. The photographs will be organized into a virtual photo album that visitors can search by school and college.
Our hope is that all our graduating undergraduate and graduate students will take part in Saturday’s Virtual Celebration and then return to our campus in December to reunite with classmates as well with families and friends for what is sure to be a joyous occasion.
Fiat Virtual Celebration of our Class of 2020!
Mark
P.S. You will have or should receive an email containing an application for Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act reimbursement for expenses you incurred due to the disruption caused by COVID-19. Please remember to complete this application and return it to Alfred University as soon as possible. We will act on applications as they are received, and after we have reviewed your eligibility and the expenses you submit.
P.P.S. Dr. Kimberly Guyer, vice president for Student Affairs, and I will be organizing several Zoom sessions for our Class of 2020, each of which will connect 10-15 graduates with 10-15 alumni. During the sessions, alumni will provide guidance on how to navigate the job market challenges facing our most recent graduates and advise them on potential career opportunities. For any Class of 2020 graduates interested in participating in one of the sessions or who would like to keep apprised of the University’s ongoing efforts to assist them in their professional development please register your permanent email address with Alexandra Fitzpatrick in our University Advancement office.