Along with the virtual commencement ceremony planned for Spoon River College graduates on May 14, students will also have the opportunity to individually take the traditional walk across the stage in a cap and gown to receive their diplomas. College officials made the decision to include the walk-through following a survey of the students.
“One of the most important aspects for a college graduate and their family is to have the opportunity to hear the graduate’s name called, along with the certificate or degree being awarded, while crossing the stage,” said Janet Munson, director of enrollment services. “Recognizing this, we are pleased to be able to offer this along with our virtual ceremony.”
Individual stage walks will be held on Tuesday, May 11 at the Multi-Purpose Building on the Canton Campus. All graduates have been assigned a block of time to participate based on their degree type, and they must arrive within that time. Each graduate’s name will be read as they walk across the stage to receive their diploma.
Each graduate will be provided tickets for two guests, which must be presented upon entry, and face masks are required. Graduates will be allowed to remove their masks as they walk across the stage, and guests will be welcome to take photos of their graduate, including one with President Oldfield, if they wish. Members of the marketing department will also be taking pictures that will be posted on the College’s social media.
The walk-through will begin with a ceremony for nursing students at 6 p.m. that will be live- streamed. Those receiving AA, AS, and AGS degrees will walk at 7 p.m., and those receiving AAS and Certificates will walk at 8 p.m. Those walks will be recorded and posted on the College’s social media. The MPB will be sanitized in between the groups.
Caps and gowns have been ordered and are scheduled to arrive the week of April 12. Students should monitor their SRC email for information regarding cap and gown pick-up dates.
Virtual Ceremony
All graduates will be included in the virtual ceremony, and those who would like to personalize their information may email a photo to gradvid@src.edu by April 26 to have it included in the video. Graduates can choose to wear everyday clothing, dressy attire, or the traditional cap, gown, and tassel. A video will be created using the photos along with each graduate’s degree and/or certification information and will be available on the Spoon River College YouTube page on Friday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m.