Fresno State had graduation ceremonies scheduled this weekend. Here’s what happened instead
On the weekend Fresno State was to hold commencements for the Class of 2020, graduates turned to social media to show how they celebrated earning a degree after graduation ceremonies were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Wearing a cap and sometimes a sash, graduates walked across their back yard or down the stairs or a living room while the “Pomp and Circumstance” song often played in the background.
It was their way of celebrating a milestone accomplishment without the usually large graduation gathering and amid the current shelter-in-place orders.
“We did it for my grandparents,” Fresno State graduate Erika Alaniz tweeted after posting video of her backyard graduation ceremony.
Some students even took photos wearing their cap and gown with a mask over their mouth to capture a sign of the times.
Fresno State had more than 6,000 students graduate this spring semester.
Nearly 60% of them were first-generation graduates.
Commencements originally were scheduled Friday and Saturday at the Save Mart Center.
But Fresno State called off the ceremonies March 17 as the coronavirus pandemic began to unfold in the United States. The university’s decision also came 10 days after the Department of Public Health confirmed the first COVID-19 case in Fresno County.
President Joseph Castro addressed graduates through a couple videos made by the university, including a “A graduation letter to the Class of 2020” video that was posted Saturday morning.
“To the graduating Class of 2020,” Castro says at the start of the video. “Our year ends together so differently than expected. But in true, bold fashion, you faced our reality with courage and strength.
“I’m so proud, not only because you are graduating, but also because along the way, you reached your goal with discipline and grace.
“Whether you are the first in your family to graduate from college,” Castro adds, “or you are among a proud legacy of family members who earned their degrees at Fresno State, this is an achievement you will always remember and cherish.”
This story was originally published May 16, 2020 at 8:54 PM.
