Boise State University will hold a virtual commencement celebration, honoring spring 2020 graduates, at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9.
The ceremony will be streamed online at boisestate.edu/commencement and at facebook/BoiseState University.
In all, 2,785 students are eligible for 3,232 degrees and certificates, with 785 students eligible for honors; 389 cum laude, 311 magna cum laude and 85 summa cum laude.
“Your class is resilient and special — you will leave a lasting legacy at Boise State University, and I can’t wait to honor you and your achievements,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, Boise State president, in a special invitation to graduates. “I hope you will join us on May 9 and celebrate together with your classmates!”
This history-making ceremony will feature student speaker Tyler Chapman, remarks from leaders in each college and a few surprises. Chapman is from Hagerman, Idaho, and is graduating with dual bachelor’s degrees in information technology management and games, interactive media and mobile.
“Boise State has been everything to me. Coming from a small town … it has meant a lot to be supported,” Chapman said. “I have had so many amazing experiences and any sort of new experience, like our virtual graduation, provides a unique opportunity for students to be part of something new, something that’s never happened before. I am super excited.”
While students are unexpectedly dispersed around the globe, and the ceremony will be in a virtual environment, there are opportunities for students to engage. Graduates are invited to share their graduation-themed photos and videos, along with shout-outs to family, friends, faculty and others who have helped them along the way to graduation. This is a tradition at Boise State. Students can share photos, videos and shout-outs on social media with the hashtag #BoiseStateGrad and upload them at boisestate.edu/commencement for a chance to be “seen” during commencement and on social media.
The university also is planning an in-person ceremony in December for graduates who wish to participate. Student speaker Chloe Pampush, who is earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and a minor in German, will represent the class of 2020 at that celebration.
“I am incredibly honored to have been chosen as a 2020 commencement speaker and also very excited to speak at such a unique ceremony. While things did not play out how I imagined they would (which never seems to happen!), I think these unusual circumstances give us all the opportunity for a really special celebration,” Pampush said.
“As the final semester of our senior year wraps up, I know we’re all experiencing a tidal wave of emotions right now — relief that the late nights and long essays are over, disappointment that things are ending how they are, heartache for all the lost last moments with friends and classmates — but hopefully also excitement for what your futures hold, and for our commencement ceremonies in both May and in December.”