CLEVELAND — Cleveland State University announced that it will be hosting in-person commencement May 15 at Progressive Field.
This news comes as many other colleges and universities across the state are still finalizing spring graduation plans.
For first-generation college student Aurora Harris, the announcement was cause for celebration.
“I know it means a lot, not only to me, but to my mom and my younger siblings too,” Harris said.
Harris will be graduating in May from CSU with a degree in journalism.
“I’m just really excited to graduate.” Harris exclaimed. “I’m looking forward to what the future is holding.”
Exciting announcement today by @CSU_President – Spring 2021 Commencement will be held IN-PERSON on Saturday, May 15, at Progressive Field. Thanks to the @Indians for helping us make this commencement one to remember! For more details, visit https://t.co/wflcNIe9lz #Vike4Life 💚🎓 pic.twitter.com/sYpMhQLwD7
— Cleveland State University (@CLE_State) March 3, 2021
Due to the pandemic, most commencement ceremonies across the country occurred virtually in 2020.
“I wasn’t really thinking anything would go on,” Harris said. “I thought there would be a screen with my name on it.”
The college senior said she is excited to be the first in her family to partake in the commencement tradition.
“Just the fact that I actually get to walk across the stage and shake hands with everyone,” Harris said. “Just to have a day to celebrate graduating is really awesome.”
Harris said having the opportunity to walk at graduation brings a sense of normalcy to a very unusual senior year.
“I think now that we are actually going to be able to walk across the stage in a few months,that is motivation to really grind out these last few weeks and months of school,” Harris said.
Commencement will happen in two separate ceremonies, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to provide for proper social distancing among attendees and guests will be limited.
The university said the event will happen rain or shine.
