Hollins University’s 178th Commencement Exercises, postponed from their original date of May 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have been rescheduled.
Interim President Nancy Oliver Gray stated that this year’s Commencement will take place on Sunday, September 6, during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The university made what Gray described as “a heartbreaking decision” on April 1 to delay Commencement following Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s temporary stay-at-home order, which remains in effect through June 10. “This is a huge disappointment for our graduating students and their families and friends, as it is for our academic community,” she explained. “However, we are eager for our graduates to still have the special celebration they deserve.”
The university’s Baccalaureate Service, a multifaith worship service of blessing and a traditional part of the Commencement observance each year, will be held on Saturday, September 5, “along with other festivities to honor our graduates,” Gray said.
Gray noted that should the progression of the pandemic make it prohibitive to hold Commencement on Labor Day weekend, the ceremony will be conducted during the Memorial Day weekend next year on Sunday, May 30, 2021.
Visit Hollins’ coronavirus preparedness webpage for more information on how the university is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
