Cleveland State Community College is holding its commencement ceremony this week – virtually.
In a news release, Don Foley, Cleveland’s director of public and media relations, said the college is “realizing students completing their programs weren’t being honored in the way they originally hoped (and) wanted to step things up and make something worthy of the appreciation of the Class of 2020.”
With COVID-19 making the public stay indoors and practicing social distancing, students were sent home to study remotely, according to the release.
Students are now enrolled online and on campus through the main campus in Cleveland, Tennessee, as well as at the Athens Center in Athens, Tennessee, and Monroe County Center in Vonore, Tennessee.
On Friday, more than 450 graduates will be individually honored, with their names read aloud and honors earned shared with the viewing audience.
“This may be a virtual graduation ceremony, but we are genuinely proud of each and every one of our graduates,” said Cleveland State President Bill Seymour in the news release.
Keynote speakers will be culture and career strategist and motivational speaker Derek Young and Flora Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
An ensemble from Cleveland State’s Vocal Rhapsody performance group will sing the national anthem and the college’s Alma Mater.
The graduation will be at 5:30 p.m. at MyCS.CC/Graduation and on the college’s social media channels. A recording of the broadcast will remain online for viewing after Friday.
For more information on the 2020 Spring and Summer Virtual Commencement Ceremony at Cleveland State, call 423-473-2341.
Contact Monique Brand at mbrand@timesfreepress.com or follow her on Twitter at @justmissmilly