GCC to hold virtual graduation

IRONWOOD — Gogebic Community College will hold its graduation ceremony virtually again this year.

“Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 and to protect our students, their families, faculty and staff, we decided to host a virtual graduation ceremony,” said GCC President George McNulty, in a press release Wednesday. “This decision was not an easy one, and we are already working diligently to provide students with a ceremony that they will remember.”

The online presentation, similar to last year’s virtual commencement, will be shown on YouTube on May 7 at 6 p.m. A link to the ceremony was not yet available, the release said.

Students will receive graduation boxes beforehand, containing their cap and gown, diploma cover and other mementos to mark the occasion, according to the release. Graduates will be able to pick up their boxes at both the Ironwood and Copper Country campuses one week prior to the ceremony. Boxes are also able to be mailed for those who are unable to pick them up in person, according to a press release.

College officials said both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 will have the opportunity to participate in the live, in-person ceremony next year as well. Officials had hoped that would be the case this year for the class of 2020.

McNulty praised all the graduates.

“These students have persevered through a pandemic and emerged stronger, wiser and bolder for it. We are excited to see what their future holds and the doors that will now be open as a result of their education at GCC,” said McNulty.

For more information, contact the president’s office at 906-307-1201 or email president@gogebic.

edu.

—Charity Smith