Thousands of Minnesota College Students Walk the Stage After Online High School Graduations

On May 12, 2024, thousands of Minnesota college students, including Jacob McCullough, Onella Nkurunziza, Elliot Steeves, and Ian Zukor, will participate in in-person graduation ceremonies at their respective universities. For many, it marks their first chance to walk across a stage after COVID-19 lockdowns forced them to have online high school graduations four years ago.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on education, with over 124,000 public and private schools across the United States closing in 2020, affecting roughly 55.1 million students. Many high schools were unable to hold traditional graduation ceremonies, instead opting for virtual events. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that between July 27, 2020, and June 30, 2021, 16,890 schools experienced 19,273 closures, resulting in the loss of 159 million in-person school days.

Why this matters: The pandemic's disruption to education has had long-term effects on students' mental health and academic performance, making it essential to acknowledge and celebrate their resilience and achievements. As the class of 2024 moves forward, their experiences will shape the future of education and inform strategies for mitigating the impact of similar crises.

The University of Minnesota's College of Liberal Arts (CLA) is holding its Undergraduate Commencement ceremony at Mariucci Arena, with two ceremonies taking place at 11 am and 4 pm. The event will honor CLA graduates who attained or will attain their bachelor's degree in Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024. Details have been sent to graduating students' UMN email addresses.

Notable speakers at the CLA ceremony include Ian Zukor, a CLA student serving as the Undergraduate Commencement speaker, and Jiyeon Lee, a developmental psychology major and integrative neuroscience minor, who will serve as the student speaker. Alum Holly Kirking Loomis (BA '02) will deliver the keynote address during both Commencement ceremonies.

The Carlson School of Management is also holding its 2024 Commencement and Graduation Celebration on May 12. The Graduation Celebration will take place from 5:00 - 7:30 pm at the Bell Museum, featuring access to exhibits, the planetarium, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar. Commencement Ceremonies will be held at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm at the 3M Arena at Mariucci. Tickets are free for graduating students, with a maximum of 5 guests per graduate at $25 per guest. Advanced registration is strongly recommended.

Emily Staples, a 2024 graduate of the University of Missouri, shared her experience of having a virtual high school graduation in Orlando, Florida. "I mean, it was sad...I understood why it happened, I live in a big city so you know that was kinda gut wrenching you know, my senior year was taken from me. But I'm excited to have come here and get to have a formal ceremony tonight," Staples said.

As Minnesota college students prepare to walk across the stage, they reflect on the challenges and triumphs of their academic journeys. The class of 2024 has demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting to unprecedented circumstances and forging ahead to achieve their goals. The in-person graduation ceremonies serve as a celebration of their accomplishments and a testament to their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands of Minnesota college students will participate in in-person graduation ceremonies on May 12, 2024.
• Many students had online high school graduations due to COVID-19 lockdowns four years ago.
• The pandemic affected 55.1 million students, resulting in 159 million lost in-person school days.
• The University of Minnesota's College of Liberal Arts and Carlson School of Management are holding graduation ceremonies.
• In-person graduation ceremonies celebrate students' resilience and achievements amidst pandemic challenges.