Commencement 2020 Updates
The current pandemic has led us to cancel our June 25 in-person commencement ceremony.
Click the updates below, listed by date, for important information regarding commencement for the Seattle Colleges Class of 2020. Check back regularly for additional information and related updates.
Our three Seattle Colleges—Central, North, and South—have each finalized plans for alternative drive-through and/or walk-through celebration events for students, keeping health and safety and social distancing in mind. The three events are set for Thursday, June 25, the originally planned date for the annual districtwide commencement ceremonies.
Refer to Alternative Celebrations at Our Colleges for full details.
We invite you to contribute to a short video describing your unstoppable spirit and the triumph of overcoming the challenges along your path to graduation and thanking those that helped you along the way or simply celebrating the class of 2020.
Learn more and upload your submission here by end of day, Thursday, June 4.
Tips for Your Video
- Record on your cell phone or any camera.
- Turn phone horizontally for wider video (avoid vertical/portrait).
- Record outside or inside with the light source in front of you, not behind you.
- Record in a quiet space.
- Get creative about where you record your video. Take a walk, swing in a hammock, or don't even bother to get out of bed - the more variety the better!
- If you're up for it, show us where you're working, studying, or relaxing right now as we adapt to staying at home.
- Messages from kids, family, and pets are also welcome.
Address These Topics
Please answer as many of the following questions as you feel comfortable. Feel free to add anything if you have more to say.
If you are a member of the graduating class of 2020
- What is your name, and the degree you are graduating with?
- What has been your biggest inspiration to finish college?
- Who has been your biggest supporter and what would you like to say to them?
- What is the greatest obstacle you have overcome to graduate?
- What was the moment that you knew you were going to make it to graduation?
- What would you like to say to your fellow graduates?
- Please read the following statement: "I am [YOUR NAME], and I am unstoppable."
If you are a family member, friend, or classmate of a graduating student
- What is your name, the name of your family member/friend/classmate who is graduating, and your relationship to them?
- What are you most proud of about your graduate?
- What have you seen your graduate accomplish that demonstrates their unstoppable spirit?
- What obstacle have you seen your graduate overcome to graduate?
- What would you like to tell the entire 2020 graduating class?
- Please read the following statement "[NAME OF YOUR GRADUATING FAMILY MEMBER / FRIEND], you are unstoppable."
We are all extremely proud of the Class of 2020 and are making plans to celebrate their achievements in memorable ways.
We are:
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Inviting the class of 2020 to walk in a future commencement ceremony.
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Preparing a “Commencement in a Box” to ensure graduates receive the keepsakes of our traditional commencement like a diploma cover, program, and other fun gifts.
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Exploring if we can safely host activities on each campus around the original June 25 date.
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Seeking to highlight graduates at each of our colleges. If you know of someone with a great story submit it here.
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Planning a special campaign to highlight and salute the Class of 2020, including a strong social media component so everyone can share in the celebration.
Stay tuned for more ways you can participate. You can always find the latest information on the commencement website.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed many things. But it doesn't change the exceptional achievements of our Class of 2020.
In years past, we have used our commencement ceremony to award degrees and celebrate our graduates. This year will be slightly different, but our passion and enthusiasm remain.
Uncertainty around the current pandemic has led us to cancel the June 25 in-person commencement ceremony. However, we are working with student leaders to evaluate options and alternatives to show love, appreciation, and admiration to graduates.
Make no mistake, we are determined to celebrate the Class of 2020 in a manner fitting of our students' hard work and perseverance. Graduates should apply for graduation in the normal manner (please visit your college’s graduation page: North | Central | South).
Although things are different from what we had planned, we encourage everyone to keep looking forward, remain hopeful, and show compassion and understanding for those in need.
Stay home, stay healthy, and an early "Congratulations!" to the Class of 2020 from all of us at Seattle Colleges.
Shouan Pan
Chancellor, Seattle Colleges
Kurt Buttleman
Acting President, North Seattle College
Sheila Edwards Lange
President, Seattle Central College
Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap
President, South Seattle College