Duane Bonifer  |  Published March 26, 2021

Commencement 2021 Weekend Set for May 15-16

Activities will include mix of in-person and virtual events.

Posted: March 26, 2021; updated: March 31, 2021

MONMOUTH, Ill. – Monmouth College will hold both in-person and virtual Commencement weekend events to celebrate the Class of 2021.

The liberal arts college will celebrate its seniors with five ceremonies on May 15-16.

At 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, graduating seniors will gather at April Zorn Memorial Stadium for the Senior Send-Off, where they will be welcomed as new members of the Monmouth Alumni Association.

At noon on Sunday, May 16, a more traditional and modified Commencement Ceremony will be held on the Wallace Hall Plaza. At the ceremony, graduates will walk across a stage in front of Wallace Hall to receive their diplomas from President Clarence R. Wyatt. The ceremony will be held rain or shine.

“Good work has been done to open the Commencement ceremony within the current guidelines issued by the state of Illinois, but it is important to remember that the virus is still with us.” – President Clarence R. Wyatt

Each graduate will be allowed to bring up to three ticketed guests to the May 16 ceremony. Guests, who will receive a ticket before the ceremony, must wear a mask at all times and socially distance from other groups.

Seats will be provided for the graduates. A limited amount of socially distanced seating will be available for guests; guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs and dress appropriately for the weather.

College faculty and staff may request one ticket from the Office of Campus events to attend the May 16 celebration on Wallace Hall Plaza. Faculty will not process at the ceremony nor expected to be present in academic regalia.

The May 15-16 events will be livestreamed on the College’s social media platforms. A photographer will take photos of each graduate at the May 16 ceremony.

“Good work has been done to open the Commencement ceremony within the current guidelines issued by the state of Illinois, but it is important to remember that the virus is still with us,” said Wyatt. “Should changing COVID conditions cause the state to shift to a more restrictive set of guidelines, it could be necessary to change our plans.”

Monmouth ‘s Class of 2021 will also be celebrated virtually. The May 16 events – which will include virtual Baccalaureate, virtual Honor Walk and the modified Commencement Ceremony – will be posted to the Commencement home page at 6 p.m. CT to give those who are unable to attend the in-person events a chance to celebrate with the graduate.

“The last year has been a trying time for our students and their family members, and we appreciate their understanding as we continue to navigate this dynamic landscape,” said Wyatt.

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