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When the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of a traditional commencement ceremony for the 51Ʒ�� Class of 2020, the campus community wanted to find a way to give graduates the culminating experience they’d been looking forward to since enrolling.

To provide seniors with that traditional graduation experience, Wilson is planning two ceremonies. A brief, remote ceremony to confer degrees will be held via a Facebook viewing party on May 17, the original date for graduation. Details will be communicated closer to that date.

In addition, the College plans to hold its 150th commencement in traditional fashion on Sunday, Oct. 25, as part of a festive Homecoming and Family Weekend. The formal inauguration of Wesley R. Fugate as Wilson’s 20th president is also planned for the Oct. 24-25 weekend.

“At Wilson, we believe commencement is a sacred occasion for graduates and their families,” Fugate said. “We are determined, if at all possible, to give members of our Class of2020 the recognition and celebration they expect and deserve.”

Members of the Class of 2020 will be invited to return to campus for the October ceremony, along with their families and guests. Planning is getting underway and details will be announced in the coming months.