In your time at Catholic University, you, the graduates of 2020, have made significant contributions to the campus community. Normally, we celebrate your accomplishments during our annual Commencement held on the steps of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. We still hope to do that, if possible, on Friday, Aug. 7. In the meantime, we plan to host a livestream event on Saturday, May 16, at 9:30 a.m. EDT. We hope you and your families will join us as University President John Garvey confers degrees during this virtual event.
Individual schools also will be hosting their own virtual degree conferral events on May 16. Visit the Commencement website for information and links to those events.
Kevin Ryan, B.A. 1989, chief executive officer of Covenant House International and one of this year’s honorary degree recipients, offered up a few words to graduates via Twitter on May 14:
I can’t join the @CatholicUniv #ClassOf2020 to deliver the commencement speech Saturday. So here it is:
— Kevin Ryan (@CovHousePrez) May 14, 2020
Everything you need to know you’re learning in this pandemic:
1. We need each other.
2. Heroes are people who love selflessly.
3. Heroes are everywhere.
4. Be one.
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. EDT
Tune in early to watch the pre-ceremony congratulatory messages beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Each school will start its programs between 11-11:30 am. Visit the Commencement website for a complete listing of individual school programs.
All virtual activities will be captioned.
Visit our Commencement Livestream page beginning at 9:30 am on Saturday, May 16.
Don’t forget to tag #CatholicUGrad20 in all of your social media posts.
Graduates are encouraged to wear academic regalia, if available. If not, show your pride and wear school colors.
Our virtual conferral ceremony will be recorded and available to watch and share.