Safe Can Still Be Fun: Ways to Celebrate Commencement This Spring
Pilots Prevent
Commencement
April 27, 2021
In-person gatherings may be restricted this year, unfortunately precluding UP from holding a traditional in-person Commencement ceremony, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the monumental achievement of a college graduation.
Gather a small group of family or friends together for an “at-home” celebration (honoring small group and social distancing stipulations for your city or state, of course) and watch Commencement Weekend’s three streamed events:
- The graduate-only in-person Pre-Commencement Recognition Event begins at 1 p.m., Friday, May 7. It will also be streamed on YouTube (youtube.com/uportland) for parents, friends, and faculty and staff to share in our graduates’ joy as they walk across the stage in cap and gown.
- Baccalaureate Mass will be streamed at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 9, with a service from the Chapel of Christ the Teacher.
- UP’s official virtual Commencement ceremony will stream on YouTube (youtube.com/uportland) at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 9, with a “pre-show” featuring memories and special messages beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Here are some more ideas for students and families to celebrate in a safe and distanced way:
- Check out the downloadable digital assets on the Commencement website—you’ll find banners, yard signs, Zoom and Instagram backgrounds, and more.
- Listen to UP’s Senior Playlist on Spotify. It will debut on May 6.
- In addition to the in-person event, wear your cap and gown for Sunday’s streamed events.
- Speaking of caps, it’s always fun to decorate them! Get inspiration from Pinterest, bounce around ideas with friends and family, or check out creative ideas from previous graduates. It can serve as a nice memento AND a fun arts and crafts project to do at home.
- If a small in-person gathering is not possible, plan a parade! Invite family and friends to drive by your house at a designated time, holding signs and cheering for your student.
- Host a “ceremony” in your living room, on the front porch, in a courtyard of your housing complex, on the sidewalk in front of your apartment, in your backyard, or wherever you have space! If you host it in your front yard or a more communal space, you may even get neighbors joining in the fun and cheering your student on from a healthy distance!
- Pick different members of the family to be the emcee or “guest speaker” for your family’s ceremony. Honor your graduate by sharing your top memories or proudest moments of your 2021 graduate, whether it spans their life or their time at UP.
- From video tributes to scavenger hunts, CollegiateParent also compiled some great alternative ways to celebrate!
