Local universities and colleges prepare for spring graduations

GREENSBURG — As COVID-19 vaccines are distributed throughout the commonwealth and country, local universities are welcoming back family and friends for commencement exercises.

In southwestern Pennsylvania, Seton Hill University announced they will be holding an in-person graduation for seniors, which was not possible last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

”They are just unbelievable with how they adapted and followed the rules, and they want to be together in-person in their classes and labs,” said Mary Finger, President of Seton Hill University.

Finger knows firsthand the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on her institution.

Last spring, seniors weren’t allowed to celebrate their achievement on campus.

”It is such an important part of your college experience to be able to celebrate, even if you don’t have everybody in your family present. At least to be able to walk across the stage and say, ‘I did this,’” said Finger.

While many universities and colleges focused on remote instruction, Seton Hill reopened their campus to students and staff.

This spring, 250 of those students will graduate.

”We’ve had students on campus this whole year and we’re looking forward to an in-person graduation,” said Finger.

The university’s president says her college community have been nothing but resilient during the pandemic. And, because of last year’s graduation being canceled, Finger wants to make sure the class of 2020 is still celebrated for their achievement.

“We’re inviting back our students from last year who were unable to have an in-person graduation to walk as well. We’re still figuring out the details but we expect it might be a few graduations, it might be one. It depends on how many students think they’re going to walk,” said Finger.

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Cox Media Group