Commencement 2020
Rite of passage goes virtual
Pomp and circumstance are hard things to put into a Zoom graduation day. The virtual world doesn’t make easy room for classic traditions and rituals people look forward to on that momentous occasion when, finally, they have that diploma in hand: Friends and family in the audience. Speeches from the stage. A procession with classmates down the aisle. Caps tossed in the air. The velvet sash “hooding” of the new doctors.
Instead, people behind the scenes came up with new twists for commencement 2020. They wanted to make this graduation memorable and unique—with a movie credit-style scroll of names and degrees and GSE hooded sweatshirts sent to graduating doctoral students in time for UB’s first virtual graduation on May 15.
“The biggest challenge about staging a virtual commencement is making sure there are personal touches,” said Amber Winters, assistant dean for communications and marketing. “Nothing could ever replace an in-person commencement. We really did try to make the best of it and be creative."
Here is how Alexandra Jean Montesano celebrated
“My regalia arrived the day before, leaving me just enough time to decorate my cap. I chose to dedicate my mortar board to my future career as a physics and Earth science teacher. I dressed up and enjoyed my GSE graduation ceremony in my living room surrounded by loved ones. My father, a fellow educator, even put my hood over my head for the first time, signifying the completion of my master’s degree.”
UB turned social
The GSE community posted photos and videos in real-time on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter—complete with regalia, caps and robes—as commencement unfolded.
A special “hooding”
Instead of the traditional velvet sashes bestowed on stage, the new doctors got “hooded” with sweatshirts that came by overnight delivery. That way, they could conduct a private hooding ceremony at home.
Alumni welcome new grads
The community of GSE graduates rallied behind the first-ever virtual graduation by sending personal videos and words of encouragement. Watch the videos and read the personal messages on the virtual commencement website.
UB turned social
The GSE community posted photos and videos in real-time on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter—complete with regalia, caps and robes—as commencement unfolded.
Setting the stage
UB had the DIY décor all set. Zoom backgrounds and signs ready for download to help students celebrate and have some social media fun.
Make your mark
Graduates virtually “signed” the new “2020 Sign-A-Bull” and left messages for posterity. The Class of 2020 will be the first in a future, cyber “Hall of Bulls.”