Rebekah WahlbergWith COVID-19 vaccinations rising, the University of Utah announced it will hold some graduation ceremonies in person this year.
In a news release Monday, the university said college-specific convocation ceremonies will be held in person, while the general commencement ceremony will be pre-recorded and live-streamed.
“The past two academic years have been transformed in significant ways, and our students have been patient, creative and resilient through all the changes needed to ensure health and safety during this global health crisis,” Lori McDonald, the U.’s vice president for student affairs, said in the news release.
“We are going to mark this occasion in ways that recognize the dedication and commitment of our students, while also celebrating the amazing accomplishment of completing a college degree during extraordinary times,” McDonald added.
The general commencement ceremony will be live-streamed on May 6 at 6 p.m.
Most college convocations will be held May 6 and 7, with a few on May 14 and 21. All will be at the Rice-Eccles Stadium or the Red Butte Garden Amphitheater. The ceremonies will also be live-streamed so family and friends can tune in virtually. A complete list of college convocation ceremonies is available on the university’s website.
Graduates of 2020, who did not have convocations last year, are invited to attend this year’s ceremonies, according to the university.
After being raised in California and spending a year in Arizona, Utah is the latest stop on Rebekah's tour of the Great American West. Everywhere she goes, she lugs along a pile of DVDs, more books than sense and an abiding love for storytelling in every imaginable media.