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On Tuesday, President Swallow sent a letter to members of the Carthage Class of 2020 announcing some good news for their commencement celebrations. 

Carthage will celebrate all graduates earning bachelor’s or master’s degrees this year with two events: a virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 23 — the original commencement date — and a traditional commencement ceremony on campus at a later date. 

Read President Swallow’s letter to graduates

Once we learn definitively when the statewide order restricting large gatherings will be lifted, we’ll determine a makeup date for the in-person ceremony. Here is more information regarding the two celebrations and other important events for graduates:

April 14-27, 2020 — Virtual Grad Gear-Up

Grad Gear-Up — usually an in-person event — is now virtual. Graduates have received directions to the Virtual Grad Gear-Up site to do all the things they would have done at the in-person event: Vote for the Class of 2020 faculty speaker and class color; send thank-you notes to faculty and staff; and complete exit counseling with the Office of Student Financial Planning, the Office of the Registrar, and The Aspire Center. Most importantly, any graduate who still needs to order their cap and gown may do so.

Saturday, May 23, 2020 — Virtual Commencement

This unique virtual ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of the Carthage Class of 2020 on Saturday, May 23, as graduates and their families had planned. More details about the event will be shared as the date nears.

Oct. 2-3, 2020 — Homecoming Weekend

We are optimistic by this fall, social distancing restrictions will be lifted and we’ll be in a position to celebrate Homecoming as a community. We hope many graduates will return to Carthage for Homecoming 2020. We have already started to plan how we can celebrate the Class of 2020 during the festivities. Watch for information as Homecoming nears.

To Be Announced — On-Campus Commencement

All 2020 graduates and their families will be invited back to participate in an on-campus commencement ceremony. Graduates will have the opportunity to walk across the stage as the capstone to their college career.