VIGO COUNTY, Ind – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) announced a re-scheduled, in-person Commencement 2020 will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020, in the Hamilton Arena of the Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center. Additionally, a Baccalaureate Mass and Ring Ceremony will also take place.

In the announcement to students, Janet Clark, Ph.D, vice president of academic and student affairs, noted “Because many of you let us know you truly want to be together to celebrate, we have been working diligently to find a way to recognize these momentous academic achievements.”

The date was set after gathering data from two student polls and reviewing information regarding in-person events in accordance with guidelines set by the State of Indiana.

The Commencement will be held in two ceremonies, one for graduates of the campus program and another for graduates of Woods Online and master’s programs. For Spring 2020 graduating ring recipients, there will be a combined Ring Ceremony along with the Baccalaureate Mass for all graduating campus, Woods Online and master’s students which will include meaningful traditions such as the liturgy and co-presenters, honoring students’ accomplishments.

 

The July 25 schedule will be as follows:

 

10 a.m. Commencement for graduates of the campus program

1 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass and Ring Ceremony for graduate recipients

4 p.m. Commencement for graduates of the Woods Online and master’s programs

 

 

Graduates will be allowed up to eight guests for the Commencement events. The Commencement ceremonies will be available for viewing on the internet via livestream. The names of each graduate will be read aloud and photos of graduates unable to attend in person will be displayed during the ceremony to honor those participating virtually.

For Spring 2020 non-graduate recipients, a re-scheduled Ring Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020. More details regarding this event will be shared at a later date.