ECC postpones commencement ceremony

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East Central College is postponing the spring commencement exercises due to the likelihood of continued advisories regarding public gatherings.

Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president, said the decision was made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that there is no specific date for the rescheduled graduation activities. However, plans call for a rescheduled commencement this summer or winter.

Commencement had been scheduled for May 16.

“In light of current restrictions concerning large groups, and the likelihood that those restrictions will continue for quite a while, we have decided to postpone commencement,” he said.

Dr. Bauer added that student health and well-being is ECC’s top priority.

“This is a difficult decision. I believe strongly that commencement is a very important milestone for students, their family and friends, and our faculty and staff,” he said. “I never want a student deprived of that opportunity.”

According to Dr. Bauer, students and the public will be informed about the new ceremony details when decisions are made.

“Our plan is to reschedule commencement later this year, perhaps late summer or as a winter event,” he said “All graduates will be invited to participate.”

Dr. Bauer recognized that the recent events have created a lot of uncertainty and change at ECC and in the community.

“We are committed to providing an environment that will enable you to reach your academic goals while protecting the health of our students, employees and the community,” he commented.

“I want to encourage you to keep moving forward as we work through the pandemic,” Dr. Bauer wrote in a message to students.

“Your academic environment has changed, but our commitment to you has not. You can do this, and I look forward to congratulating you when the day comes that you walk across the stage as a graduate of East Central College.”

Information about how ECC is responding to COVID-19 and changes made at the college will be updated at www.eastcentral.edu/covid/.