There’s hope for the Visionary Class of 2020: in-person commencement plans are
underway. With Asbury’s decision to move classes online for the remainder of the
semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for the traditional spring
commencement on May 9 were set aside, leaving many students wondering what could
be done to possibly celebrate the awarding of their undergraduate degrees — other
than getting a job, that is.
“It’s especially important to our class, we’ve got so much taken away from us: our last
Highbridge, our last FNL, our last dance, our last chapels, our last meals in the caf, our
last two months of undergrad,” said senior Charis Wieschhaus. “So much has been
taken away from us already and that has already been a grieving process in and of
itself. Having commencement taken away from us too is really painful and hard.”
However, for the class of 2020, Asbury University will help make that day possible,
though they’re looking far into the future.
“We have a response team that meets regularly to assess new information as it comes
out, and to react accordingly as it relates to Asbury events and planning,” said Asbury
President Dr. Kevin Brown. “As of now, we have postponed our [May 9]
Commencement. However, we are very committed to having a ceremony that honors
and celebrates our Asbury graduates.”
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear when exactly an event the size of
an Asbury University commencement could be possible, but Brown’s words provide
hope for students, faculty and administration alike that the event will eventually take
place.
“We are tentatively looking to Fall 2020 for this event, but as mentioned, we make
necessary adjustments based upon new information with respect to the COVID-19
threat,” Brown said. “There is a clear preference among University administrators for an
in-person celebration.”
With life quickly changing for recent graduates, senior Houston Thomas weighed in on
his preferred time for a commencement event.
“Personally, rescheduling for early August would be ideal. Graduating would still feel
new, fresh, and exciting!” Thomas said. “However, rescheduling for winter break could
also be a blessing for Visionaries who don’t graduate until fall [of] 2020. Regardless of
when we have commencement, although sooner would be the better, still having the
commencement is a must. All of us have worked so hard for this moment. It’s a moment
for us to remember, cherish, and share with our kids someday.”
Wieschhaus shared a similar sentiment.
“It’s also something that brings closure to your time in college: it’s the moment where
you’re like, ‘Okay, I’m done, I can kind of move to the next stage of life,’” she said.
“Having that moment where you’re celebrated and recognized for your
accomplishments is the last page in the book or chapter of college. It provides closure
for us who are graduating, especially being at Asbury because it’s a place we’ve grown
to love. Being in person and being in close contact with other people is so much
sweeter in celebrating your accomplishments.”
