Story by Zach Avery, News Editor

Images courtesy of Andie Dekker, Web Content Specialist for Aquinas College Marketing & Communication

Aquinas College will have two commencement ceremonies this year: one for the class of 2020, the other for the class of 2021. One ceremony will make up for lost time, and the other will celebrate the present. Both will look completely different from any commencement Aquinas has ever had.

The two commencement ceremonies and the Baccalaureate Mass will be limited only to graduates and the platform party on an RSVP basis. These reservations for graduating students were required by April 26.

While there will be no accommodations for family members or guests to attend either commencement ceremony in-person, a professional livestream will be provided and made available for anyone to view online. Following each individual livestream, an archived recording will be published onto Aquinas’ YouTube channel (“AquinasCollegeGR”).

“Taking time to publicly recognize and celebrate your accomplishments and this significant life event is as meaningful to the Aquinas community as it is to you and your families,” said President Kevin G. Quinn of Aquinas College in a prepared statement on the Aquinas College commencement page.

Despite the restrictions on attendance, Aquinas graduates will be able to enjoy an in-person Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew on May 8 at 10:00 a.m. The Baccalaureate will be an optional event for both the class of 2020 and class of 2021. The class of 2021 commencement ceremony will be on May 8 at 2:00 p.m., and the class of 2020 commencement ceremony will be on May 9 at 1:00 p.m.

All ceremony and Baccalaureate Mass attendees must comply with Aquinas’ current Health and Safety Protocols. This includes wearing a disposable face mask or reusable face covering in all public indoor settings. Masks are required in public outdoor settings when in the presence of others, as well. 

Aquinas College welcomes Paul Bee as its 2021 commencement ceremony speaker. Bee is an Aquinas graduate of the class of 2006, when he acquired dual bachelor’s degrees in business administration and communications. Now, Bee is the Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

If you are interested in attending either commencement ceremony through the professional livestream, new information will be routinely shared at aquinas.edu/commencement.