Note: This message was originally sent on September 6, 2020
As the Fall semester begins (one week in!), with the Gonzaga experience extending into homes across the country as well as on our campus, the University is moving forward with both confidence and caution. We have nearly 2000 students living on campus once again and courses are being taught both in-person and virtually to over 7,300 students, this is truly a unique moment and start to the school year.
True to form, 2020 continues to be very unique for the Class of 2020 as this weekend we are celebrating their accomplishments with several commencement ceremonies. When we rescheduled commencement last April, we had set Labor Day weekend as the new “in-person” ceremony weekend, however due to the ongoing concerns with large scale gatherings we pivoted once again in early August. Instead, starting yesterday with Law and Grad ceremonies, Commencement Mass and going through today with the undergrad ceremony, we are delivering these celebrations remotely to our 2,401 graduates!
While ceremonies are remote, we have incorporated many of the commencement traditions, including the use of Gonzaga’s coat of arms, the banners for each school on stage with deans, the National Anthem featuring The Big Bing Theory, an a capella club, personal name readers, and the Angus Scot Pipe Band for processional and recessional music.
Following the main program for each ceremony, our students are being recognized by their schools following introductory remarks by each dean. Each graduate has been invited to upload a personal photo and text message for their ceremony slide, which lists their degree, Latin honors, academic honors awards, and Magis awards. Each graduate also has the opportunity to upload a short video message that will be incorporated into an individualized recognition clip after the ceremony — a digital file that opens with a montage of campus shots, their ceremony slide, their video message, and a closing congratulations message. This is a keepsake gift that can be shared with family, friends, and on social media to announce the students’ achievements. If you have a few moments and would like to experience the remote ceremony (begins at 9:00 am), please click here: Commencement 2020 Additionally, The Spokesman Review posted a story about the ceremonies that took place yesterday: strive for resilience
As we celebrate the Class of 2020 this weekend, we are also very focused on the year ahead, the new students who have just begun their Gonzaga journey and those that are charging toward their own commencement in May of 2021! We thought you might appreciate these brief reflections – shared with us as these students begin this (very unique) academic year.
- Quite frankly, I would not be able to go to college if I had not received this scholarship. The funds from this scholarship enable me to get my BSN and go onto pursue my dreams of being a pediatric nurse. I am so incredibly grateful for the immense generosity shown by the donors. – Sophia, Class of 2024
- As we all know, college is expensive nowadays. Gonzaga is not the cheapest school around, but I am very blessed to be able to attend college here. Here I know that I am being prepared for my future and I am surrounded by a caring community in the meantime. Scholarships such as this one allow me to continue attending the school I love, which I appreciate more than I can say. – Andrew, Class of 2021
- When I was in high school, I never thought I could go to school out of state or afford a private university. I never even imagined going to grad school. Now, thanks to this scholarship, all these doors have been opened for me. I also have seen my younger brother start to look at schools both private and out of state, and I feel like me being able to attend GU taught him it was possible. – Erin, Class of 2021
- I am very thankful for your scholarship funds. Even though I wanted to live in this area, I would not have been able to justify coming to GU if it weren’t for having scholarships. I will graduate law school without having taken on law school debt. This is not true for the majority of my peers. I am very grateful to have been considered and selected. It made all the difference. – Bryan, Class of 2021
These are just four short reflections, but hundreds of students routinely express their gratitude for those who show up to support Zags. Thank you for being among this group. As we embark on this truly unique moment and year we are committed to approaching these uncertain times with renewed and sustained hope, courage, compassion, and empathy. Grateful for each of you who provide this confidence and support to GU, our student, faculty and staff. Wishing you a peaceful weekend…