Update on Class of 2020 Commencement
Dear Members of the Class of 2020,
It is hard to believe that just over a year ago, you joined the rest of campus as it was hurriedly vacated under state order, the first of many ways the COVID-19 pandemic would alter lives worldwide. You finished out your senior year under conditions unprecedented in modern history, and, unfortunately, were deprived of the Commencement festivities that traditionally mark the end of our graduates’ academic journey.
In March of last year, a working group of your peers let us know that, once health conditions stabilized and larger group gatherings were permitted, the Class of 2020 wanted the opportunity for an in-person celebration to belatedly mark the successful conclusion of their Santa Clara journey with each other, and with loved ones.
After having given great consideration to the optimal way to celebrate your commencement, we are pleased to share that an in-person celebration of the Class of 2020 is now being planned. With the continued suppression of coronavirus and ever-more hopeful signs that events and gatherings will be permitted in the fall, we will soon be inviting the members of the Class of 2020 to an in-person Commencement Celebration of the Class of 2020 on Friday, October 8. This event will be a special, signature moment during this year’s Grand Reunion, and each graduate will be able to invite two guests to share in the moment with them.
In addition to your special Commencement activities, you as well as the Class of 2021 will be invited to participate in all weekend reunion events (October 8-10) including career networking, identity and professional group gatherings, a special Mass, wine tasting, trivia contest, and more.
Our planning discussions are ongoing, and we recognize that any plans will require alignment with the County health orders in place at that time. In the summer, we will communicate additional details about this exciting event. In the meantime, we invite you to visit your Class of 2020 Grand Reunion page and please encourage your classmates to update their contact information and stay connected through the Class of 2020 Alumni webpage.
We cannot wait to welcome your class back to our beautiful campus. Thank you for your continued patience as we look forward with hope and optimism to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2020.
Sincerely,
Lisa A. Kloppenberg
Acting President
Jim Lyons
Vice President, University Relations