Pitt streams virtual commencement for Class of Covid-19
The promise of “Pomp and Circumstance” remained Sunday, even as the University of Pittsburgh honored nearly 8,000 graduates in a virtual commencement.
Families near and far gathered before screens to mark the day with newly minted graduates — now members of the Class of Covid-19 — and listened as Pitt officials and a stream of elected officials and celebrities took to YouTube to hail their accomplishments.
“Thank you for the many sacrifices you’ve made over the last two months. … You’re living through history. You have been denied many things, but bound together by this experience,” Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher told the grads.
“The world needs your passion, your creativity, your intellect,” he said.
He told the grads who were barred from traditional ceremonies by shutdown orders and social distancing required during the coronavirus pandemic, that he will be emailing each of them a virtual diploma.
“We will look forward to the day together when we can put the real thing in your hand,” Gallagher said.
Deb Erdley is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Deb at derdley@triblive.com.
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