Commencement

July 1, 2020

Dear Members of the Utica College Community,

For the past several months, we had remained confident that we would be able to join together in some form for an in-person Commencement ceremony later this summer in order to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2020. Many hours, days, and weeks have been spent meeting, brainstorming, and trying to find a way to make it all work amid the unprecedented backdrop of a still ongoing pandemic. 

However, despite all of our best efforts and planning, the continuing state restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 just don’t make it possible at this time. In particular, the current quarantine requirements in place for many out-of-state visitors make an in-person event such as Commencement too difficult for our students and families to be successfully executed. Therefore, it is with much regret that I must announce we will not be holding a Commencement ceremony this summer.

We understand how disappointing this news is to hear. More than just a ceremony, Commencement is a celebration and acknowledgement of all our students have worked for these past several years at Utica College. While the COVID-19 pandemic may prevent us from having an in-person ceremony at this time, we still wish to honor and recognize our 2020 graduates in a way they deserve. 

• First, we will hold a formal Conferral of Degrees, the very heart of the Commencement tradition, in a brief video ceremony. Viewing instructions will be provided next week. 
• Second, and most important, the College will hold a formal, in-person Commencement ceremony specifically for the Class of 2020 as part of Commencement weekend in May 2021, where we promise a celebration to remember. Once the details of this in-person ceremony are finalized, 2020 graduates will receive a save-the-date notification followed by a formal invitation to attend.

I am deeply saddened that the Class of 2020 has been denied many of the traditions and celebrations that are part of the final semester of College. However, despite these unforeseen challenges, the Class of 2020, like true Pioneers, have risen to meet these obstacles head-on. In doing so, their success carries with it even greater meaning than in normal circumstances, and we intend to recognize and celebrate it in a way they truly deserve. We can’t wait to do so.

Sincerely,
Laura Casamento
President

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Virtual Graduation Portraits

As a way to commemorate this milestone, Utica College has made arrangements with Island Photography for Virtual Graduation Portraits.

We are proud of our resilient Pioneers! And, the Virtual Graduation Portraits are a way to recognize your achievement until in-person photos can be taken at The Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

Let Island Photography guide you through taking a self-portrait, uploading your images, and they'll make them into memories. Available until Friday, August 14, 2020.

Any questions? Contact Island Photography at custserv@islandphoto.com or 516-767-1234

Register and Submit your Images

How-To Video on Taking Your Photo

Contact Us

Commencement Committee

Commencement Committee

commencement@utica.edu