By Corinne McCaw
On March 10, Samford University announced that spring 2021 graduation will be held in-person and will be live-streamed. The university has asked that attendees practice social distancing protocols and wear masks during their entire time on campus.
After a year of virtual events and instruction, graduates are looking forward to walking across the stage and receiving their diploma in-person, where a few close guests can celebrate their achievement with them.
“I’m so thankful that Samford is taking the necessary precautions to make it possible for us to have an in-person graduation,” senior nursing student Emma Grace Hackman said. “I am glad that science, vaccines and following the social distancing guidelines this semester is making this possible.”
Over the past year, Samford administration has worked hard making adjustments and striving to provide a safe campus environment for students and faculty. Soon-to-be graduates said they are thankful for the effort Samford administration has expended to allow for an in-person graduation.
Senior education student Maggie Greene noted her gratitude for Samford’s efforts.
“I am thrilled to have the chance to walk alongside my classmates to receive a diploma that we have all worked so hard for amidst the global pandemic,” Greene said.
According to Samford University’s website, graduate and undergraduate students in the College of Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business School, Education School and School of the Arts have been asked to limit their guests to six people. If a graduate brings more than four guests, only four will be able to sit together. Students graduating from the Cumberland School of Law will be able to request no more than two tickets for guests.
All undergraduate graduation ceremonies will be taking place outside in Seibert Stadium, unless prohibited by severe weather. The College of Health Sciences graduate ceremony will take place April 23 at 10 a.m. and the School of Divinity Graduation will take place May 30 at 11 a.m. in Hodges Chapel. The College of Health Sciences undergraduate ceremony will take place May 7 at 10 a.m. and Cumberland School Law’s ceremony will take place place May 7 at 4 p.m. in the Wright Center. Graduate and undergraduate ceremonies for Howard College of Arts and Sciences, Brock School of Business, Orlean Beeson School of Education and the School of the Arts will take place May 8 at 10 a.m. in Seibert Stadium.
