Coronavirus: Northwestern's 162nd Commencement Will Be Virtual

EVANSTON, IL—Northwestern University's 162nd commencement ceremony will look a little different than it has in previous years due to the new coronavirus. According to the university's president, Morton Schapiro, the Class of 2020's upcoming graduation has been moved online.

"I share our graduates’ disappointment that a moment for which they have worked so hard will culminate in a manner unlike that in typical years," Schapiro said in an email to students. "But our Northwestern community is committed to honoring them with all its heart. A virus will not stop the work of Northwestern."

While the June 19 commencement will be virtual, Schapiro said the university has plans to hold a future campus event to salute the graduates. An actual date, however, has not been confirmed.

The graduation ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. online with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot serving as commencement speaker, the university president said.

"As the mayor of one of the world’s great cities, she has committed Chicago to being a model for solutions to urban challenges around the globe. With her 'Stay Home, Save Lives' campaign, she has emerged as a national leader, hailed for wise and decisive action—and a warm and reassuring sense of humor—to protect her city and its citizens," Schapiro said.

In the coming weeks, the university has plans to share more information about the virtual ceremonies and events. The schools also have plans to announce alternatives to their own previously scheduled convocations, Schapiro said.

"This will not be the moment that you expected, but it will still fully be your moment. We are committed to bringing you a thoughtful experience that can make memories for a lifetime," he said.