As we enter our third week of online classes, Spring Hill College has made great efforts in keeping its students informed about the college’s plans for annual events, including making one dedicated promise to the Class of 2020.

President Joe Lee announced to the students and faculty on Friday, March 13 that the campus would suspend all classes until further notice. President Lee sent a follow-up email letting students know the school year would resume online, postponing many annual school events such as Homecoming on the Hill. As colleges across the nation closed their doors, many of them opted to cancel their graduation ceremonies. But on March 21, President Lee communicated his desire to make the class of 2020’s commencement happen. 

“I want to share with you a guarantee. We will have commencement for you, our seniors of the class of 2020,” said President Lee. “It may not happen on May 9. The COVID-19 situation is far too tenuous for that promise just yet. But we will honor and celebrate your achievements here on The Hill. We will also do everything in our power to have you walk down the Avenue of the Oaks.” The promise was met with love from students and parents as they took to social media to share their thoughts. Biochemistry and Secondary Education senior, Cecilia Sutton, noted that Spring Hill’s decision about the graduation ceremony was ‘a big relief.’ “We’ve all been working for the last four years towards our degrees, so I’m thankful Spring Hill is going to honor our achievements.” 

The commencement ceremony is traditionally held on the Avenue of the Oaks, where students first walked down in their freshmen year ceremony. While the ceremony may not take place in May, a recent senior survey was conducted asking seniors which potential dates they’d rather attend graduation: in late June, in the Fall, or the Winter.