The graduates have succeeded and triumphed through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the move to remote learning. They will be saluted for their determination and grit as VU commemorates more than 215 years of commencement ceremonies.

VU is honoring its 2020 graduating class during a virtual ceremony that will premiere by June 26. VU will celebrate 1,803 candidates for graduation representing 77 of Indiana’s 92 counties, 32 states, and five countries.

Dr. Laura Treanor, VU Provost and Vice President

“What a special class the class of 2020 is. They have reached an important milestone during some very challenging times. They persevered throughout their journey and along the way developed important skills that will help them discover and navigate the awesome opportunities that lie before them,” Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services and Dean of Faculty Dr. Laura Treanor said. “Congratulations to the class of 2020! You did it. Keep moving forward, work hard, take risks, and blaze a trail.”

View the ceremony at www.vinu.edu/commencement or www.vincennespbs.org. It will remain online until July 26.

Andrew Cohen, VU Graduate

“I’m happy it’s happening,” Business Administration graduate Andrew Cohen of Demotte, Indiana said. “I was really bummed I didn’t get to walk the stage and I thought they were going to postpone it, but I’m glad we have a replacement graduation. I’m going to watch with my family and I’m going to send the link to some of my siblings that live out of state.”

Graduates, their families, and the community cannot gather in person, but it isn’t keeping them from gathering online and creating special moments.

The ceremony will include VU President Dr. Charles Johnson’s commencement address. Treanor will preside over the commencement exercises.

A personalized graduation experience has been created by including a slide recognizing each graduate who submitted a petition to graduate online.

VU Staff (l-r): Cindy Beaman, Haley Hartley, Andrea Tscherter

Celebration packages were mailed to graduates participating in the ceremony to make the experience even more personal. The box contains items to help them celebrate their accomplishment, including a special program, tassel, VU alumni medallion, mortarboard, and other commemorative objects.

“On behalf of the Faculty of VU, I want to extend a warm congratulations to the class of 2020,” Treanor said. “VU is a very special place with some amazing graduates. We look forward to this class going out and representing us well as the proud Trailblazers that they are!”

In addition to showcasing graduates during the ceremony, video messages of congratulations from the deans of VU’s colleges will appear on the University’s social media channels.

VU has also celebrated the Class of 2020 by donating 500 trees planted in their honor.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue extending well wishes to the graduates.

Please share your congratulations and tell us how you are celebrating this special milestone by using the hashtag #VUGrad2020 on social media.

###