Media report on virtual Commencement celebrations
News Center Maine and WABI (Channel 5) reported on virtual Commencement celebrations held by University of Maine System campuses, including the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias. “Every graduating class — of course, it’s such a special time,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “We’re so proud of what they’ve accomplished, and we’re looking forward to when we can congratulate them in person. In the meantime, I’m happy with our virtual recognition week as an attempt to honor the great work that they’ve done.” The online Recognition Week for the UMaine Class of 2020 took place from May 4 through 9 with congratulatory messages and features of outstanding students and faculty members each day at 10 a.m., ending on what would have been the day of the traditional in-person Commencement ceremonies. “The Commencement Committee desired to plan a virtual recognition event that would be special, meaningful and memorable for the Class of 2020,” said Kimberly Whitehead, UMaine chief of staff and Commencement coordinator. “We are excited to celebrate and honor the achievements of our Class of 2020 graduates, outstanding students and faculty members through the student recognition weeks. We extend best wishes and congratulations to our graduates.” The UMM Class of 2020 graduates will be celebrated with an online Recognition Ceremony at 1 p.m. May 30, News Center Maine reported. The Bangor Daily News published a University of Maine System press release stating that UMaine launched a virtual yearbook along with the Recognition Week offerings, and the Commencement Committee continues to plan for a face-to-face ceremony in the fall. UMaine anticipates conferring approximately 1,900 degrees or awards. UMM is tentatively scheduling a commencement ceremony for its homecoming weekend in September, provided it will be safe to do so. UMM anticipates conferring 83 degrees or awards, the release states.