Colleges and universities across the United States have all been confronted with extraordinary challenges to help students complete the Spring 2020 semester, and now the coronavirus pandemic stands to cancel or postpone well-deserved commencement ceremonies. It is heart-breaking for students and their families to be robbed of this celebration and the formal acknowledgment of their significant achievements.
“With a professional career in higher education for more than three decades, commencement remains my favorite day. It is always an honor and delight to watch the graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas and see them celebrate with their family, friends, and fellow classmates,” James M. Sunser, president of Genesee Community College said. “We could not deprive our college community of this event, and postponement does not accommodate the schedule and the very real demands and obligations of many of our graduates who have jobs or are transferring to other institutions.”
Therefore, officials at Genesee Community College decided to create and deliver a commencement ceremony using innovative technology to honor the Class of 2020 and recognize their achievements while simultaneously adhering to the existing social distancing mandates. On Saturday, June 6, at 1 p.m. Genesee Community College will launch a Virtual Commencement Ceremony that will be streamed and accessible to all through the college’s homepage at www.genesee.edu. Plans are underway to develop a well-prepared online presentation that includes most of the college’s commencement traditions, and then a robust social media exchange will also take place.
This special, all-new online ceremony will include commemorating remarks from President Sunser, along with messages from a few GCC professors and instructors, music, and the announcement of each graduate’s name. The keynote address will be given by Peggy Marone, the director of Leadership Genesee since its inception in 2001, which now has more than 500 graduates, including nearly 20 GCC employees.
A native of Genesee County, Ms. Marone’s leadership extends beyond the borders of Genesee County. In addition to the more than 500 individuals who have benefitted from participation in Leadership Genesee (LG), Ms. Marone led a team of LG alumni and Orleans County leaders to launch Leadership Orleans, currently in its third year of operation. She also consulted with Leadership Ontario as their planning committee developed the framework for their program.
As the college continues to develop its virtual commencement, details are available on www.genesee.edu/commencement. In addition to the Virtual Commencement Ceremony, all members of the Class of 2020 will be invited to return to campus and participate in the college’s 53rd Commencement Ceremony in May 2021.
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