Pitt-Greensburg 2020 grads to return for belated in-person commencement

Members of the Pitt-Greensburg Class of 2020 had a virtual graduation ceremony last year because of pandemic restrictions.

Some of them will be taking advantage of an opportunity to return to the Hempfield campus for an in-person commencement ceremony on Saturday , in conjunction with the annual Homecoming Blue and Gold Celebration.

“These students had their final year of college abruptly disrupted by the emerging covid-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020,” said Robert G. Gregerson, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. “Now that we are able, we are so pleased to give them the opportunity to experience in person the culmination of a college education.”

In April 2020, the 293 members of the Class of 2020 were recognized with a digital presentation that showcased their honors and activities. They also were provided a digital diploma presentation and congratulatory video messages.

About 20% of those graduates are expected to return for Saturday’s morning ceremony in Chambers Hall Gymnasium. They’ll be presented with honor cords and diploma covers and may have photos taken in their caps and gowns.

This past spring, the 253-member Pitt-Greensburg Class of 2021 had an in-person commencement in the campus gym. To maintain social distancing during the continuing pandemic, that event was conducted in three separate ceremonies, graduates and their guests seated in “pods.”

Returning alumni each are permitted to bring four guests to Saturday’s belated commencement. Because of the smaller number of people involved, a single ceremony will be held.

They’ve also been invited to attend an alumni picnic, where there will be a champagne toast.

According to the university, nearly 55% of 2020 Pitt-Greensburg alumni graduated with honors. The most popular majors were management, psychology, biological sciences, management-accounting, and criminal justice.

Art show open to public

Because of continuing pandemic protocols, most of this year’s Blue and Gold activities are closed to the public. The one exception is an art show that is on view through Oct. 8 at Millstein Library.

Those attending are asked to register upon entering and must wear a face covering, which is required inside all campus buildings.

The show features works by 39 artists including faculty, staff, students, alumni and residents of the region. Prizes, including the selected fan favorite, will be announced at a concluding reception at 6 p.m. Oct. 8.

Those planning to attend the reception should register online by visiting greensburg.pitt.edu/about/blue-and-gold and scrolling to the Oct. 8 listing under the Calendar of Events.