Hundreds of ESU students concluded their collegiate careers this weekend during Emporia State University’s Winter Commencement activities.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing this year’s commencement ceremonies held Friday and Saturday were moved from White Auditorium to Albert Taylor Hall on the campus of ESU. While no students or families were able to be in attendance the university spared no expense in sending their students off with as traditional a ceremony as possible.
This included a processional of staff and administrators, the singing of the school’s song and several speeches to celebrate the accomplishments of all graduates. Among the individuals to speak during the ceremonies was Kansas Board of Regents member Dr. Shelly Kipplinger who joined the ceremony remotely.
Dr. Kipplinger congratulated students on completing their degrees and for doing so in the midst of what she called “extraordinary times.”
Not only were 2020 winter graduates recognized during the ceremonies but so were graduates from the spring and summer whose commencement ceremonies had to be unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic. In place of walking across the stage, each graduate had their name read as normal with their name appearing on the screen.
For those who were unable to watch the ceremonies Friday and Saturday, they are available on the university’s YouTube channel.
