After almost two years of virtual graduations due to COVID-19, some Arizona colleges and universities are holding in-person ceremonies once again.
On Friday, Northern Arizona University celebrated its almost 2,800 grads with two in-person commencement ceremonies.
“After two years of having our lives disrupted by a global pandemic — in ways small and large — it is an understatement to express how beautiful and uplifting the scene that has unfolded here before us today has been," NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera said before taking a moment to take a selfie with the grads from their seats.
In the Phoenix Valley, Arizona State University and Mesa Community College are holding their in-person ceremonies next week. It’ll be MCC’s first since May 2019, and ASU’s first since fall 2019.
“There’s going to be so much excitement this year," said ASU Alumni Services Director Mike Wong. "Students for the past couple of years have not had that opportunity to share those special moments.”
ASU won’t require vaccination for students and guests, but will require masks for indoor ceremonies and are strongly recommended at commencement inside Sun Devil Stadium and in any crowded outdoor settings. MCC’s celebration will be outdoors, so masks won’t be enforced and ample spacing between guests is anticipated.
Other Maricopa County Community College District colleges are planning a combination of drive-thru graduations, off-campus ceremonies and in-person celebrations at their campuses.
The University of Arizona held an in-person graduation for its class of 2020 graduation in November and will hold in-person ceremonies for its fall 2021 grads next week.
