The special publication acknowledges the Class of 2020, and a digital version with a choir performance, message from the President and more is available online.
Diplomas are in the mail to our most recent graduates, and each personalized document comes with a bonus — a newly redesigned keepsake booklet listing Cal U’s January and May 2020 graduates, and a link to a digital version with numerous online “extras.”
“When the University was forced to postpone its formal spring Commencement because of the pandemic, both parents and students reached out to request a ‘program’ like the one they would have received at the ceremony,” said Christine Kindl, vice president for Communications and Marketing.
“Students wanted to see their names in print. Parents wanted to tuck that booklet away with other important reminders of their family’s school years. Of course we wanted to make this publication special.”
The colorful booklet includes photos of campus along with graduates’ names, student and faculty honors, and more. A special section highlights “words of wisdom” for the Class of 2020, contributed by Cal U alumni.
“We asked our alumni to share their advice in about 20 words, and more than 100 people responded,” said Dr. Ryan Barnhart, director of Alumni Relations. “Our new graduates are now part of a network that truly cares about them and wants to lift them up.”
In the digital version of the booklet, available at calu.edu/commencement, alumni also offer advice in a series of videos. You can hear the traditional strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” watch a “socially distanced” performance by the Cal U choir, and see President Jones deliver a Commencement address.
With the support of PSECU, you also can view photos submitted by January and May 2020 graduates.
In addition, the Cal U Alumni Association and student alumni ambassadors have provided each new graduate with a yearlong membership in the 1852 Society, an alumni organization that supports student philanthropy, volunteerism and service. As members, the graduates will receive an 1852 Society decal and honors cords.
“This has been an unprecedented graduation season,” said academic events coordinator Jodie Bonidie, who stuffed thousands of envelopes and organized the mailings.
“Although we couldn’t celebrate our graduates as we have in the past, I hope they know that Cal U is incredibly proud of them and their achievements.”