By Anastasia Pumphrey
An update on Commencement was sent out Thursday afternoon that stated guests will now be allowed to attend the graduation ceremony in May.
“We are moving the ceremony from the main quad to the more spacious W.B. Mason Stadium and allowing each member of the Class of 2021 to invite two guests,” Rev. John Denning, C.S.C. said.
Denning said that for those with families or loved ones beyond two people, there will be a virtual option to attend as well. He said that guests attending in person will need to be registered, complete a self-check form, and disclose their time of entry and exit of the stadium on the day of the event. Details on this should be coming out in the next week, according to Denning.
“It’s a bright spot for the end of what has been a very difficult academic year for not only students but also the loved ones of our students. Many of our parents, guardians, and loved ones have dreamed of being able to watch us walk across the stage at graduation and while this graduation will still be different, it’s a great sign of hope for many of us,” Student Government Association Executive President Abe Medeiros said. “As a first-generation American and the first in my family to graduate, it means the world to my family to be able to see me graduate in person.”
“I’m really excited that they were able to allow us each to bring two guests because I really wanted my parents to be able to see me graduate in person. I'm also excited that they didn’t end up splitting the class into two different graduation days because now I can graduate with all of my friends and have my parents be there too. It’s the best possible outcome,” Senior Sam Lamar said.
Sydney DeJoie, who created a petition last month along with her sister and friends in the class of 2021 to allow guests at the ceremony, said that she is happy with the update and feels the class’s voice was heard when it came to this issue.
“We definitely think it made and impact with the Stonehill community. We know that ultimately it is up to administration, but we are grateful that they took the petition into consideration with making the revision of commencement plans,” DeJoie said.
She said that she and her team that was campaigning for this change are thankful her class will have this memory for years to come. “We are grateful that our Stonehill community came together to make this day special and even more memorable as we hoped,” DeJoie said.
Denning also said in his email update that the Baccalaureate Mass will still be held at 4 p.m. on Friday May 14, however it will just be for the Class of 2021, faculty, staff, and members of the Holy Cross Congregation. He said that for anyone else looking to celebrate, there will be a livestream of the mass as well.
Denning also announced that this year’s commencement speaker will be alumna Judith A. Salerno, MD.
“A member of the Class of 1973, Dr. Salerno answered the call for retired physicians to aid in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and served on the frontlines at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. Dr. Salerno will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, acknowledging her own efforts, as well as those first responders who selflessly work to provide care and hope for those impacted by COVID-19,” Denning said.
Reporter Madison Pimental contributed to this story.