On March 5, President Schwarz sent out an email to the student body and faculty which outlined Drew’s plan to honor both, the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020, this upcoming May.
The Commencement planning committee intends to hold both virtual and in-person ceremonies this May for all graduating commuter, remote and residential students. The University also invited the Class of 2020, who could not gather for in-person graduation last May, back to the Forest to celebrate their Commencement jointly. “This is my first year as your president, and I am enthusiastically anticipating celebrating the accomplishments of this unique Class of 2021, as well as honoring the Class of 2020,” said Schwarz.
On Thursday, May 13, a virtual ceremony will be held presenting the main Commencement address and the awarding of honorary degrees. Six outdoor ceremonies will take place on Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15, at the Ranger Stadium. Graduates will be placed into groups based on school and academic subject area.
Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III T’82 will deliver the formal Commencement address at the virtual ceremony on May 13. Dr. Butts will also receive an honorary doctor of divinity, honoris causa. Two additional honorary degrees will be awarded to Yamiche Alcindor, the White House correspondent for PBS NewsHour, who will receive the degree doctor of humane letters, honoris causa, and The Rev. Alfred T. Day, III will receive the degree doctor of divinity, honoris causa.
Drew will adhere to all COVID-19 protocols-including six feet social distancing, and required mask wearing- to plan and execute these celebrations. As the ceremony nears, graduates will receive a formal invitation with a required RSVP and guest ticket details. For up to date information regarding Drew’s 2021 Commencement plans, please visit the Commencement website.
