GCC to hold virtual commencement

IRONWOOD — In light of the coronavirus pandemic and large group gatherings being prohibited, Gogebic Community College is preparing to take its 2020 commencement ceremony online.

While the ceremony for the approximately 175 graduates will take place on Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m., the originally scheduled date and time, there will be no actual gathering but instead a virtual gathering — one that will be live-streamed so that everyone who wishes to attend can do so.

Graduates will not be able to walk across a physical stage, instead there name will be called out with the degree they earned. There will still be music and someone will offer a speech to the graduates.

“We take great pride in watching our graduates succeed in their respective programs and walk across the stage each spring,” said Director of Admissions Kim Zeckovich. “We certainly share in their disappointment that this won’t be taking place this year, but be assured that it will still be a special night as we celebrate each graduating student in a virtual way this year.”

At the GCC Board of Trustees workshop Tuesday, Jeanne Graham, vice president of student services, said there was at least one student who expressed disappointment that the class of 2020 will not get a traditional ceremony.

Graham said are they are considering inviting the class of 2020 back next spring to walk across the stage with the class of 2021; however, postponing this year’s ceremony was not an option.

“Postponing a college graduation is a lot different then postponing a high school graduation, in that many of our graduates are not from here,” Graham said. She acknowledged this virtual ceremony “is certainly not ideal.”

Further details on the virtual commencement for the class of 2020 will be announced, according to college officials.