Sabrina Layne Odell, a first-generation college student, standing in front of \"V C U\" letters on campus, while wearing her cap and gown.
Sabrina Layne Odell, a first-generation college student, is graduating in December as a double major in Health Science and Psychology. She's participating in VCU's virtual commencement. "Thank you to my family for making my last four years at VCU possible," she wrote for her submission. "Thank you VCU for all that I have learned. I am forever a Ram." (Destiny Martinez Photography)

Nov. 23, 2020

Virtual commencement will showcase new graduates’ photo and video submissions

The Dec. 12 celebration will honor the achievements of VCU’s August and December graduates and provide an interactive online experience for family and friends.

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By Tom Gresham

Virginia Commonwealth University will host a virtual commencement celebration on Dec. 12 that will feature an interactive online experience for graduates and their families and friends.

The program will include video clips and photos from graduates to commemorate their accomplishments while at VCU and to celebrate their graduation. Graduates can upload their 10-12 second video clips using the graduate upload submission form to share a message. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Graduates can submit their graduation photos on a commencement photo upload form. (Photos have no deadline and will be collected through commencement.)

The commencement ceremony will honor the achievements of VCU’s August and December graduates. The virtual event is being held rather than an in-person ceremony in accordance with university, state and federal guidelines on large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At the close of every semester at VCU, we highlight, celebrate and honor our newest graduates,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. “This year is no exception. Commencement is a time that we all truly love. We are proud of all of you and look forward to what’s to come for you. Your many accomplishments inspire us, especially now, and deserve special recognition, and we look forward to honoring you with a special ceremony.”

The virtual commencement event will begin at 9 a.m. on Dec. 12 with a Zoom pre-party for students only and a countdown to the main program, which will begin at 10 a.m. Information on how to view the virtual ceremony will be released in the coming weeks and will be accessible at commencement.vcu.edu. The university invites graduates, family and friends to join the festivities by sharing photos and shoutouts on social media throughout the weekend using the hashtag #VCU2020.

To help celebrate, VCU is offering virtual swag, such as printable celebration signs, Instagram stickers and Facebook frames.

For questions, visit commencement.vcu.edu or email univevents@vcu.edu.