Following up on a story reported first by WHAV last week, Northern Essex Community College plans to share graduates’ own videos and photographs in what will be a virtual commencement in August.
The virtual graduation exercises are still expected to feature speaker Rosalin Acosta, state labor secretary and a former college trustee with three children who have attended Northern Essex. Details are to come in what’s being called a “surprise package” to be mailed to students. In a Friday email from Northern Essex President Lane A. Glenn, students are invited to host their own celebration and share those memories with the community through videos or photographs.
“After we have received graduate videos and photos, we will create a Commencement 2020 video that we will share widely,” Glenn said.
Because of the ongoing threat from the coronavirus and ban on large gatherings through at least May 4, students are completing classes remotely. The virtual commencement will also have a student speaker.
Those who were looking forward to walking across the stage will still have that chance next year when the classes of 2020 and 2021 celebrate a joint graduation.