Celebrating Class of 2020 Virtually
June 6, 2020
(Sioux City, IA – June 6, 2020) While this May was not the traditional graduation experience expected, Briar Cliff University remains committed to celebrating the Class of 2020 virtually.
It started with a virtual Toast to the Tassel. Traditionally, the Toast to the Tassel event takes place the Thursday of graduation week. Usually, it is an opportunity for students to gather the faculty and staff who have supported them while being inducted into the alumni association at Briar Cliff University. This year, Briar Cliff gathered videos of proud alumni toasting the Class of 2020, welcoming them the alumni community, and wishing them the best as they chase their next chapter.
Next, Briar Cliff held and recorded mini virtual commencement ceremonies for each and every program. These videos were sent to each graduate to share with their families and help to provide their students that immediate opportunity commemorate that educational milestone they have achieved.
Finally, as their campus has been closed to visitors since march, the 2020 class was not able to physically be present on campus to receive farewell and good luck wishes from their community. To help fill that gap, Briar Cliff University employee’s placed over 200 pinwheels in the ground of the Heffernan Mall with the names of the Class of 2020 in chalk next to them.
“This gesture was meant to celebrate the year’s graduates and symbolizing our faith in their ability to that the education and foundation they receive from Briar Cliff use that to turn these unexpected events into only positive opportunities” said President Karstens.
Finally, the end of the school year is usually filled with final banquets and award ceremonies. Briar Cliff University continues to use social platforms announce student leaders awards, athletic and academic awards nominees and recipients, celebrate stories of graduating seniors, and much, much, more.
Through all the hurdles created by this recent pandemic, Briar Cliff is committed to safely celebrating the Class of 2020 until they gather in person again for the rescheduled commencement ceremony on September 27th at 1:30 PM.