Spelman College has announced how it plans to recognize its nearly 500 graduates this spring, considering the limitations posed by social distancing and COVID-19.
On Monday, the historically black college announced it would host its virtual ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, with a senior salute livestreamed at spelman.edu.
The virtual event will feature “tributes and surprises,” according to a news release. Graduates and supporters are encouraged to share moments from the virtual ceremony on social media using the hashtags #SpelmanGrad20 and #SpelmanSeniorSalute.
»MORE: Spring graduation ceremonies canceled as coronavirus spreads
"We are extremely proud of our graduating seniors, who have been undeterred in their pursuit of a Spelman degree," Mary Schmidt Campbell, Spelman College president, said in a statement. "They step into a world, changing by the month, by the week, by the day, armed with skills, experiences and relationships that will serve them well in the days ahead."
The salute to the 480 spring 2020 graduates will begin Friday with a 6:30 p.m. discussion between Spelman Student Government President Nia Page (Class of 2020), and two-time Grammy-nominated recording artists Chloe X Halle on @Spelman_College, the institution’s official Instagram channel. At 7 p.m., the event will segue from a conversation to a live performance by the duo in tribute to Spelman students on the R&B group’s Instagram platform, where they will perform a set, including new music from their upcoming album.
“The entire Spelman community applauds our outstanding graduates. Class of 2020, you are truly a class of vision,” Schmidt Campbell said.
Dozens of universities across the country have opted to postpone graduation ceremonies this spring in light of the guidelines in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Some colleges and high schools will still hold ceremonies − with provisions for social distancing − despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's advisement that gatherings of more than 50 be halted during the next six to eight months.
Spelman will celebrate the success of the Class of 2020 at a formal in-person commencement ceremony, which will be held at a later date.
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