Rutgers To Host Virtual Commencement May 31

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Rutgers University will stream a virtual celebration of its 2020 graduates on May 31.

From mid-March onwards, all Rutgers classes were online only due to the COVID pandemic. Rutgers has not yet made a decision as to whether classes will resume as normal in the fall of 2020.

On May 31, President Robert Barchi will preside over and confer degrees during Rutgers University’s 254th Anniversary Commencement celebration, which will feature NBC News anchor Lester Holt delivering an address to the graduates from his home studio.

“Commencement is an important milestone, not only for our students and their families, but for our faculty and staff, our alumni, and for the Rutgers community as a whole,” President Barchi said. “In this time of uncertainty, celebrating graduation is more important than ever."

The virtual ceremony, which will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, will be streamed on the university’s commencement website, Facebook and YouTube channels and will incorporate many of the traditional customs associated with on-campus commencements, along with some new ones for an unprecedented time. The virtual commencement celebration, which is estimated to run between 60 to 75 minutes, will be available to the public.

As a national journalist covering all aspects of this crisis, Holt says he plans to share his unique perspective with graduates.

Graduates and their families will be able to showcase and celebrate their accomplishments through a collection of digital frames and stickers that will be available on Facebook and Instagram ahead of the celebration. Family and friends are invited to join in the experience. Students are encouraged to share their experience live on social media during the streaming program using #RutgersStrong and #RU2020.