Connecticut colleges and universities will kick off in-person commencement ceremonies this weekend, beginning with UConn, which plans to welcome thousands of students and their families for a series of events held over a number of days.
Since COVID-19 wiped out last year’s in-person gatherings, some colleges and universities are welcoming back 2020 graduates this year. Mask-wearing and social distancing will be required, and many schools are livestreaming all of the events so family members who can’t attend in person due to limits on guests can watch along from home.
Here’s a rundown of this year’s commencement ceremonies:
UConn
Commencement ceremonies will be held over a period of five days, beginning Saturday, with graduates divided by area of study. Students who graduated in 2020 and did not get to attend a ceremony are being invited back this year.
Dates: May 8-12
Location: Rentschler Field, East Hartford
Notable speakers: U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona
More information: commencement.uconn.edu
Quinnipiac University
Like UConn, Quinnipiac University will hold commencement ceremonies over a series of days. All undergraduates will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than five days before their commencement ceremony in order to attend.
Dates: May 8-11
Location: Mount Carmel Campus Quad, Hamden
Notable speakers: Matt Murray, editor in chief of The Wall Street Journal; Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Andrew J. McDonald
More information: commencement.qu.edu
University of Saint Joseph
Students at the University of Saint Joseph will have two days of commencement ceremonies, with nursing graduates honored on May 14 and other graduates the following day. Both day’s events will be livestreamed and recorded for future viewing.
Dates: May 14-15
Location: O’Connell Center, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford
More information: usj.edu/about/commencement
University of Hartford
The University of Hartford will hold five commencement ceremonies over two days to honor students from the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021.
Dates: May 15-16
Location: XL Center, Hartford
More information: www.hartford.edu/about/offices-divisions/office-registrar/graduation/upcoming-ceremony.aspx
Eastern Connecticut State University
At Eastern Connecticut State University, 2021 graduates will be honored in morning and afternoon commencement ceremonies on May 15 and the Class of 2020 will be honored at a ceremony the following day.
Dates: May 15-16
Location: Windham Technical High School Athletic Field, Windham
More information: www.easternct.edu/commencement/index.html
Sacred Heart University
At Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, both Class of 2021 and Class of 2021 graduates will be honored, on different days. Graduating legacy students and their families are invited to a virtual toast via Zoom on May 18.
Dates: May 15 (Class of 2020), May 19-20 (Class of 2021)
Location: Campus Field, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
More information: sacredheart.edu/commencement/
Coast Guard Academy
President Joe Biden will address graduating cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London this month. Biden delivered a commencement address in 2013 as vice president.
Dates: May 19
Location: Cadet Memorial Field, Coast Guard Academy, New London
Notable speakers: President Joe Biden
More information: uscga.edu/commencement-schedule
Connecticut College
At Connecticut College in New London, an in-person commencement ceremony will be held, with limited attendance. Guests will be required to show proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 infection or else take a rapid COVID-19 test before the event.
Dates: May 20
Location: Connecticut College, New London
Notable speakers: Ethan Brown, entrepreneur, environmentalist and CEO of Beyond Meat
More information: www.conncoll.edu/commencement/
Trinity College
Morning and afternoon commencement ceremonies will be held at Trinity College. Guests will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test result.
Dates: May 21
Location: Main Quad, Trinity College, Hartford
Notable speakers: Hartford HealthCare CEO Jeffrey Flaks
More information: trincoll.edu/commencement
Central Connecticut State University
Like many other colleges, Central Connecticut State University is moving its commencement ceremonies, often held at the XL Center in Hartford, outdoors. There will be four commencements over two days.
Dates: May 22-23
Location: Arute Field, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
More information: www2.ccsu.edu/commencement/
Yale University
Commencement ceremonies at Yale University will be open to graduating students only, with no guests permitted. Events will be livestreamed on the university’s website.
Dates: May 22-24
Location: Yale University, New Haven
Notable speakers: Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci
More information: commencement.yale.edu
Fairfield University
At Fairfield University, a mix of online and in-person events will be held in May to honor 2020 and 2021 graduates.
Dates: May 22-23
Location: Bellarmine Lawn, Fairfield University, Fairfield
More information: fairfield.edu/commencement/
Wesleyan University
At Wesleyan University, the Class of 2021 will be honored in a single, in-person ceremony.
Dates: May 26
Location: Andrus Field, Wesleyan University, Middletown
Notable speakers: Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb
More information: wesleyan.edu/commencement2021/
Russell Blair can be reached at rblair@courant.com.
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