Galveston College officials have announced that the 2020 Commencement Ceremony, originally scheduled for Aug. 21 at Moody Gardens, will be conducted virtually because of a spike in COVID-19 cases in Galveston County.
“The college had postponed the ceremony, traditionally held in May, in hopes that health and safety conditions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic would improve,” said Scott Branum, director of admissions and college registrar.
“We understand that some students and family members will be disappointed with the cancellation of an in-person ceremony, and we share your disappointment,” Branum said. “We are working to make the best of an ever-changing situation, and we promise to make this year’s virtual ceremony an event to remember.”
The virtual ceremony will launch at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, and will include a brief program and a slideshow featuring individual graduates. A link will be made available to graduates, their family members and friends, and the general public.
Graduating students will receive an email from Galveston College in their Whitecaps email with specific instructions on where to send a photo and message for their individual graduate slides. If graduates have purchased a cap and gown, they should wear them in their photos.
Caps, gowns and tassels can be purchased at the Galveston College bookstore. Students who do not have a cap and gown may submit an appropriate self portrait of their choice.
The Galveston College website will contain additional information concerning the program and a link to the ceremony