We are majorly bummed that the in-person 2020 commencement ceremony is postponed due to the global pandemic. But just because you can’t physically gather friends and family doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. Yes, there is a lot happening in the world right now, but don’t let that prevent you from feeling proud and showing off your achievements! Your hard work deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated, even among a pandemic.
First, Miami is planning what looks to be a pretty cool virtual commencement next weekend (check it out at miamioh.edu/commencement/). It will be a dynamic, immersive event designed to honor graduates, showcase the Miami Experience, and be enjoyed by family, friends, and alumni from anywhere across the world. Think the episode from The Office when Jim and Dwight are avatars in Second Life (Remember? Jim had the guitar and Dwight was … Dwight…). You won’t want to miss it – they have really outdone themselves with this!
Get dressed up to celebrate. If you have a cap and gown, put them on and pose for a few pictures outside. If you don’t, no worries. Dress in what makes you feel confident and proud – embody your accomplishments! Then, show it off using Miami’s custom Snapchat lens!
Here’s an option. Throw a mini house party with your family or whoever you are social distancing with. Across the country, we are seeing grads decking out their homes and/or yards for quarantine-friendly parties. By the way – the Miami University Alumni Association has some AWESOME downloadable decorations for your celebration! Arrange a huge Zoom call with loved ones. Write a graduation speech and share it with your friends – that technically makes you valedictorian right? Make a playlist, get some snacks, put up some decorations, and celebrate yourself. You seriously deserve it
Were you planning on attending an event or commemorative ceremony? YouTube has you covered. YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” original special will feature celebs and notable names like Zendaya, Lady Gaga, and BTS. Plus, the Obamas will headline the celebration and deliver speeches. The festival-style lineup will feature talks on traditional graduation-day themes mixed in with music performances. The multi-hour event premieres Saturday, June 6, on the YouTube Originals channel (at this link) and YouTube’s Learn@Home site (learnathome.withyoutube.com).
Did you know you can commission a celebrity to give you a graduation send-off? Cameo is a service that allows you to purchase a personalized video message from participating celebrities. Some awesome ones include Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy!), Leslie David Baker (Stanley on The Office), and, my personal favorite because I am biased, Jim O’Heir (Jerry on Parks and Rec). Also – Phill Lewis, AKA Mr. Moseby from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. And there are so many more options! In the words of Tom Haverford (is that too many Parks and Rec references for one paragraph?): “Treat yo’ self.” OR treat some of your friends with their favorite celeb.
If you’re anything like me, the sentiment of graduation is most meaningful. Not having an in-person ceremony dedicated to reminiscing on all your college memories might be bumming you out. Create a college memory book. You don’t have to be an art major to do this either! If you’re artistically inclined, go for it and whip out those scrapbooking skills. Bonus points if you have Polaroids or actual printed photos! But if not, Shutterfly has you covered with custom photo books and albums. Having photos in physical form rather than just on your phone is special, and something you can bring with you everywhere you live post-grad. Print extra copies for your friends who are also graduating and have a matching set.
Take some time to celebrate yourself now with ideas from this list (or your own!) and DEFINITELY plan to attend Miami’s in-person commencement ceremony in September. A mini Class of 2020 reunion after such a long time apart gives me goosebumps to think about! We will be so excited to have you back on campus.
Chin up, and stay grateful despite these weird times – YOU DID IT. It’s up to you to put a personal spin on your celebration. None of us imagined this kind of senior year, but your accomplishments are real and should be recognized even if in an unconventional way. We’re here to support and appreciate you. Congratulations, Class of 2020 RedHawks!
Kathryn Moir | Marketing & IMS
