Graduation Ceremonies to Recognize ECC Classes of 2020 and 2021

East Central College is celebrating its 2020 and 2021 graduates with four separate in-person commencement ceremonies in May.

ECC is hosting multiple ceremonies with the intent to keep graduates and families safe. All graduates from the fall 2019 through summer 2021 semesters are invited to attend. There will be a maximum of 50 graduates at each event.

The ceremonies will be held in the Donald Shook Student Center Saturday, May 15, and Sunday, May 16.

Reservations for the ceremonies for Sunday, May 16 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. are available for graduates. Graduates can reserve a spot for themselves and reserve seats for family members by visiting https://www.eastcentral.edu/registrar/graduation-application/.

Graduates can request guest seating when they RSVP. There will be seating areas in the gymnasium for up to six guests per group.

Reservations for the ceremony on Saturday, May 15, at 1 p.m. are completed; and the ceremony slated for May 15 at 4 p.m. will primarily focus on the 2020 graduates.

Anyone who has questions or needs more information may contact the ECC graduation office at 636-584-6579 or grad@eastcentral.edu.

Class of 2020

According to ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, social distancing requirements and closures borne from the COVID-19 pandemic prevented a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020.

Dr. Bauer added that the college has fully intended to hold an in-person ceremony for the 2020 grads.

“It is so important that our graduates have a ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments,” he said. “What the Class of 2020 did last year was truly remarkable.”

“Commencement is a very important milestone for students, their family and friends, and our faculty and staff,” Dr. Bauer added. “I never want a student deprived of that opportunity.”

Regalia/Virtual Ceremony

Caps and Gowns are available at the ECC Bookstore at the cost of $29.99, plus tax. The bookstore can be reached at 636-584-6737. Rolla students can request to have their regalia sent to the Rolla site.

Graduates who would like to have their name read during a ceremony, but do not want to attend the events, can opt for the “virtual graduation.” They would need to notify the ECC graduation office and submit a picture to be displayed as their name is read.

Nursing Graduates

A pinning ceremony for nursing students will be held in the ECC gym at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 15. That event will be followed by a commencement ceremony for nursing students at 10 a.m.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Julie Beck, program assistant, nursing and allied health, at 636-584-6616 or email julie.beck@eastcentral.edu.