Graduate Fair

Greetings Class of 2021,

What a year it has been! I know how difficult it has been for you, not being able to celebrate your senior year with all the traditions that typically come along with it. While we cannot change the course of 2020/2021, I think we can all agree that we’re beginning to see evidence of better days ahead.

To that end, I am absolutely thrilled to announce that we will be holding in-person, socially-distanced commencement ceremonies this May to celebrate your achievements and enjoy some of WPU’s most treasured commencement traditions.

On Saturday, May 8, the Class of 2021 will be honored through two separate ceremonies on Main Lawn at 9:30 a.m. and again at 3:30 p.m. (approximately half the class at each ceremony)  Your assigned ceremony will be communicated to you through the Office of the Registrar in the near future. Due to State of North Carolina health and safety requirements, Main Lawn’s capacity is limited for each ceremony, resulting in the need for two ceremonies. Each ceremony will be socially-distanced, with seats spaced 6 feet apart. We made the decision to have two ceremonies so that each of you could have some guests attend in person.

In an effort to maintain the health and safety of our community, the ceremonies will be abbreviated, with the main focus being conferral of degrees. Additionally, the commencement message will be delivered virtually, prior to the in-person ceremonies.

Each graduate will be given the opportunity to reserve up to four tickets for guests, and will need to RSVP for each guest by Monday, April 5. Please only reserve the number of tickets you need so that we can consider a lottery with any extra tickets.

For those of you who are unable to participate, and/or have family and friends who are unable to attend, we will also be live streaming the event on YouTube.

Plans for an alternate hooding ceremony are also underway. More information regarding commencement activities, how to watch the commencement message live stream, and how to register and RSVP for guest tickets will be shared soon.

We look forward to honoring you all on May 8. If you have any questions not addressed in the FAQ section of WPU’s commencement webpage, please direct them to commencement@peace.edu.

I, and the rest of WPU’s faculty and staff, can’t wait to see you there and celebrate your amazing achievements!.

President Ralph

P.S. In case you missed it, check out the attached video message from your fellow Class of 2021 Graduate Bergin Gillespie!