Delaware State University to hold first-ever Virtual Commencement ceremony

DOVER, Del. – Delaware State University announced plans to hold its first-ever Virtual Commencement ceremony amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16th, in place of the traditional in-person ceremony. The university has mailed robes and caps as well as the ceremonial cylinders to hold diplomas to graduating seniors. Seniors have been instructed to take a picture of themselves in the robe and cap while holding the cylinder, then send that photo back to the university to be used during the virtual ceremony.

We’re told the virtual ceremony will feature many of the elements of the traditional commencement, including remarks from University President Tony Allen and Board of Trustees Chairman Devona Williams, as well as others. The university will award one student its Presidential Leadership Award and seven undergraduates who have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA will be president with Presidential Academic Awards.

Officials say the keynote commencement speaker will remain the same as previously scheduled for the in-person ceremony: CBS 3 evening news co-anchor Ukee Washington.

In addition, the university will award an honorary doctoral degree to Donald Graham, the founder of a scholarship program for undocumented immigrant students. Through the program, 150 Dreamers have enrolled at DSU since 2016, and the first graduating class will be recognized for completing their undergraduate journey during the virtual commencement.