From NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio:

I hope that everyone had a productive week and will be able to enjoy some time to rest and rejuvenate this weekend. We have made a lot of progress over that last few weeks, and I applaud you for your strength and determination in meeting the challenges that have impacted us all.

Please take time to read the updates below about Spring Commencement, CARES Act student grants and enhancements to assist students in payments to the university.

Spring Commencement:

 On Friday, May 8, our Spring, 2020, graduates will be honored in a virtual commencement program.

It is appropriate to honor these graduates in the most extraordinary commencement program in our history, because students who are completing their studies now have overcome the most difficult challenges to ever face a graduating class at the university.

The graduates, their friends and family members can see the ceremony online and on various social media platforms during the May 8 program.

The virtual program will reflect conventional commencement ceremonies. Northwestern alumna and Broadway performer Holli Conway will speak, academic deans will read the names of graduates, and there will be other pomp and circumstance to celebrate the occasion.

In addition to the virtual ceremony, a traditional graduation program is being planned for our Spring graduates on Aug. 8. This date is contingent on health and safety guidelines that are in effect at that time. We will continue to provide updates as the tentative time for the ceremony approaches.

Graduates will be contacted in the days ahead with more details and requests for photos and videos to make the May 8 virtual celebration even more meaningful.

Congratulations to this very special graduating class.