Graduating from college celebrates a milestone in a person’s life.
And whether they came from a family with many graduates or they are first generation to attend college, it’s traditional to have a formal graduation.
But The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 didn’t get that opportunity.
Like all of the colleges involved, Pierce had to follow suit and hold its graduation ceremonies under the same umbrella.
Those students dealt with the situation by creating mini-parties and redirecting their focus to their future.
But those who were not given a chance to celebrate the milestone should be given a chance to celebrate in person.
Long Beach City College plans on having in-person formal graduation for 2020 and 2021 combined. The ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Stadium on June 9, where the ceremony will cover speeches and have the students get a chance to walk with their names being called by an automated voice.
California State University, Fresno plan on having six separate commencement in-person ceremonies that span from Saturday, May 14, to Monday, May 16. By having different celebrations, they can fit the state guidelines where the maximum for outdoor event occupancy is 20%.
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) will have a hybrid version for its graduation ceremony similar to other colleges, including a graduate parade, which guides its students to special giveaways and photo opportunities.
CSUN’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean William Watkins said that students will receive a grad box with “a souvenir commencement program, pennant, license frame and tassel.”
Regardless of what’s happening, colleges are taking action to accommodate students, and Pierce needs to step into the limelight.
The Thunderbird School of Global Managment at Arizona State University held in-person and remote commencements where holograms were used.
Pierce doesn’t need to do something as flashy as a hologram, but having something that can help students celebrate their success would bring the community together.
Pierce could partner with TreePeople to plant a tree to commemorate the classes of 2020 and 2021. By planting this tree, these graduates can be reassured that their fellow peers won’t be forgotten.
More than anything, these alumni deserve to be celebrated and not have their special time taken away.
