ECC Planning Video Commencement
East Central College will be recognizing 2020 graduates through a recorded Commencement video in lieu of an in-person ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said the decision to forgo a traditional graduation ceremony this year was difficult to make, and he expressed that safety and health of the ECC community was the primary factor of having a recognition video instead of an in-person commencement.
“The health and safety of our students and employees is paramount and holding a ceremony while maintaining appropriate social distances is not possible at this time,” Dr. Bauer said.
Dr. Bauer added that graduation is an important milestone for students, their family, and friends and ECC faculty and staff. He encourages students to participate in the Commencement video.
“We truly want to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our 2020 graduates,” he said. “Many of them overcame adversity during an unprecedented Spring semester and have built a great foundation for their future education or career endeavors.”
All Class of 2020 graduates are invited to the next in-person graduation ceremony where they will be recognized.
Dr. Bauer noted that ECC made every effort to hold a traditional, in-person commencement ceremony, but due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in the area — and the size of the 2020 graduating class — holding a large gathering would not be safe for students, faculty or staff.
ECC conferred 342 degrees and certificates to spring semester graduates. It was the largest spring graduation class in several years.
The college is asking that students submit photos of themselves in their caps and gowns holding their diploma covers. The photos can include the graduates with their family and friends or by themselves.
The photos will be complied into a video that will include a message from Dr. Bauer as well as acknowledging the Outstanding Alumni and Outstanding Student of the past year. The video will list the accomplishments of each graduate, including academic honors (including Phi Theta Kappa) and the degree and/or certificate they earned.
2020 graduate photos and information can be sent to PR@eastcentral.edu. The deadline to submit the photos is Friday, Aug. 14.
Pre-ordered caps and gowns are at the ECC Bookstore. There also are extra caps and gowns for those who did not order them. The Bookstore is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.