A COMMENCEMENT LIKE NO OTHER

11,000+ Graduates Participate in 2020 Virtual Graduation

by India Ogazi

Kaitlin Elaine Cardenas didn’t let the pandemic keep her from toasting the occasion in style.

On Dec. 17 at 7 p.m., the University of Houston made history, holding its first-ever virtual commencement ceremony. More than 11,000 degrees were awarded, and the momentous occasion garnered close to 24,000 online views. It was the first time spring, summer and fall graduates participated in a joint fall commencement ceremony.

A few months prior, when Tonja Jones, executive director of the UH Office of Protocol and Special Events, received the news that commencement would have to be virtual she knew it would not be an easy feat. This is the day students and their loved ones had long dreamed of. Yet, given the increasing COVID-19 infection rate in Houston, health authorities and medical experts advised against an in-person ceremony.

Understandably, students were disappointed and so was Jones. “I said, ‘How can I make this better? How can I make it exceptional?’” she explained.

After years of studying, making financial sacrifices and experiencing tremendous personal growth, the graduating students certainly deserved a memorable commemoration.

As a semester ends at UH, typically the campus is bustling with students striking poses for their grad photos. Determined that 2020 would not keep students from preserving that feeling of jubilation, the University created socially distanced, pre-celebration photo opportunities across campus.

The UH Seal and the Cullen Family Plaza were decked out with balloons and UH banners, while the Student Center South’s monumental stairway featured a mock commencement stage so students could capture their special moment in typical graduation style. Hundreds took part and Student Center participants received a special keepsake gift.

“It was a hit,” Jones said. “The students loved it.”

In addition, Coogs were invited to submit their graduation photographs for airing during the commencement pre-show.

“It was a hit.
The students loved it.”
– Tonja Jones, executive director of the UH Office of Protocol and Special Events.

Hundreds of graduates took to campus for celebratory photos, which aired in the virtual pre-commencement show.

Aykela Kelly

Alanna Mullins

Elisabeth Kosters

Stephanie Porter

Kristopher Longoria

Melissa Ramirez

Sunehra Shamsuddin

Kristen Tran

Sugey Estrada

Riley Fortner

Julian Paez Magsino

Four UH Alumni Receive High Honors

The President’s Medallion was awarded to The John M. O’Quinn ( J.D. ’67) Foundation and William A. Brookshire (’57). During their lifetimes both alumni were renowned for their distinguished service and generous support of the University and its students.

Marvin E. Odum III (M.B.A. ’95) and Richard G. Rawson (’72) each received an honorary doctor of humane letters for their exemplary service to society at large and the University, which included Odum serving as co-chair and Rawson serving on the campaign executive committee of the $1 billion “Here, We Go” Campaign.

Although the celebration was virtual, the commencement followed its traditional program, as much as possible. Each graduate’s name was read aloud and displayed on a vibrant jumbo screen in the Fertitta Center to honor his or her achievement.

Embracing the new normal, graduates decorated their homes as they celebrated virtual commencement with loved ones. Pictured: Jenina Policarpio

While it was not the celebration they had hoped for, many grads tried to capture the same energy by decorating their homes, and dressing in their cap and gowns to view the ceremony.

Embracing the new normal, graduates decorated their homes as they celebrated virtual commencement with loved ones. Pictured: Charles Moore

“One student told us they rented a movie theater for a private, socially distanced viewing party,” Jones said. The joyous occasion was extended as UH Colleges held virtual festivities for students over the weekend. It was a commencement like no other for an exceptional class that has learned the steadying power of resilience.