Finding the Right Time to Celebrate Drexel’s Class of 2020

The following message was sent to the Drexel community on March 27.

Dear Students and Colleagues,

This is a time of uncertainty, disruption and sacrifice. Our University has had to change the way we teach, conduct research and serve our community. And today, we regret to announce yet another step, which will be a particular disappointment to the members of the Class of 2020: That is, the pandemic has forced us to postpone all Drexel commencement ceremonies this spring.

With graduations planned in May for the College of Medicine and the Thomas R. Kline School of Law; in mid-June for the remaining colleges and schools; and the University-wide celebration at Citizens Bank Park, we have no assurance that restrictions on public gatherings in Philadelphia will be lifted. Our top priority during the COVID-19 crisis is to safeguard everyone in the Drexel community, and this decision to postpone our commencement ceremonies is in keeping with that aim.

Still, we fully understand and sympathize that delaying Commencement will heighten the already significant sense of loss for our graduates. They no doubt looked forward to spending a final term on campus in the company of friends and professors, enjoying the bittersweet realization that routines were being experienced for the last time.

There is no replacing those experiences, but we also know the members of this graduating class. They’re resilient and compassionate. They’re steeped in civic engagement and service, and they are forward-looking, eager to take their place among the leaders of their communities.

We want to assure our newest graduates that we will herald their achievements when it is safe and feasible to do so. Although details of these celebrations are still to be worked out, we hope to hold a university-wide commencement ceremony in early fall and will share details as soon as they are finalized.  Some of our colleges may conduct virtual and other unique ceremonies or recognitions, as well. Details about these events will be shared directly to students by their respective schools and colleges.

We are incredibly  proud of all that our 2020 graduates have achieved, and we promise to honor their years at Drexel and properly welcome them to the ranks of Drexel alumni.

Sincerely, 

John Fry
President

Helen Y. Bowman
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer

Paul E. Jensen
Interim Nina Henderson Provost