Convocations, graduations, and celebrations of all kinds have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Memorial University is finding a way to mark the milestone despite the challenges.
Memorial University’s Spring Convocation is on hold but the celebration to mark the milestone is full speed ahead. The institution is hosting an online Facebook party this Thursday at 7:00 p.m., called “Hats Off” in honour of the 2020 graduating class.
The event features a full roster of inspirational messages, music, and entertainment, with appearances by Alan Doyle, Fortunate Ones, and comedian Trent McClellan.
MUN President, Dr. Vianne Timmons says she’s looking forward to it and describes the students as “amazing” young men and women who have gotten through probably the most difficult time they’ve had for students in decades.
She says it’s important to recognize these students’ academic accomplishments and welcome them to the alumni family.
Timmons acknowledges that the celebration isn’t the convocation, and they still plan for the 2,500 graduates to be invited to a convocation ceremony in the future when public health guidelines permit.
(Convocation at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John’s, via Memorial University.)
They surveyed the graduate students for input, and Timmons says they came back very positive.
She says the theme of her speech to graduates will be “courage”—as the graduates have all demonstrated their own, and will need to continue to show courage as they go out into the world.
The ceremony is for all MUN campuses including Grenfell and Harlow.
