Commencement
Commencement Update
Dear 2020 Graduates,
I write to you today with continued wishes of congratulations. I also write to you with difficult, although probably not unexpected, news.
In March, when we first learned of the global pandemic and the “Safer at Home” directive from our local and state governments, you let us know you wanted an in-person commencement even though it would need to be delayed. We heard you and moved our graduation date to August 16 – feeling hopeful that the health crisis would subside enough by then that we could come together as a community to celebrate your accomplishments.
As you are probably aware, the Los Angeles County and the County Department of Health have issued new guidelines prohibiting all public gatherings, including all in-person graduation ceremonies. Like our local leaders, we know that your health and safety and the safety of your families matter most. And yet, you deserve an incredible celebration. So although this is not what we had planned, Mount Saint Mary’s University will celebrate the Class of 2020 through a virtual commencement ceremony on August 16th. I know that this is disappointing news but I commit to you that we will create an experience worthy of your class. We will provide a ceremony that will engage, inspire, and truly celebrate our graduates and your families.
As I reflect on the graduates across this country, I am moved by the strength, openness, and pride of the Class of 2020. You will always be known as that class that persevered and attained your college degree in the midst of a global health crisis, and while you couldn’t celebrate as you all had planned, you, members of the Class of 2020, you are known by national leaders, celebrities, and community activists - and your own Mount community - as the strongest, the most resilient, gracious, and brave graduating class in our memory. You inspire us and we want to celebrate each and every one of you.
We will be sending you details about commencement soon. I promise you it will be a joyful and worthy celebration of your Unstoppable class!
With love and good wishes,
Ann McElaney-Johnson
President
COVID-19/Coronavirus Update
We are pleased to announce that the in-person 2020 Commencement ceremony scheduled for May 11 has been postponed and rescheduled to Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Shrine Auditorium (of course barring any further Centers for Disease Control or Los Angeles County restrictions). The graduate ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. and the undergraduate ceremony will be at 2:30 p.m. While we know that this date might not work for everyone, we hope that you will be able to return so that we can celebrate with you and your families.
As in past years, the ceremony will also be available via livestream, for those unable to attend in person.
Students who are eligible for the Aug. 16 ceremony are those who graduated in Summer 2019, Fall 2019 and Spring 2020. All students who have been cleared through the Registrar’s Office to graduate by June 15, 2020, will be eligible to participate.
2020 Dates and Locations
Graduate Commencement
Sunday, Aug. 16, 9:30 a.m.
Shrine Auditorium
665 W Jefferson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Undergraduate Commencement
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2:30 p.m.
Shrine Auditorium
665 W Jefferson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007