Dear Class of 2020 Graduates,
I write with a heavy heart to share personally that due to the growing number of cases of COVID-19 in Oregon and nationally – and with a shared obligation that our university community observes heightened public health measures—OSU will not hold rescheduled 2020 Commencement exercises this fall in Corvallis.
As you likely recall, in early April, with the support of graduating students, we announced the postponement of our traditional June Commencement exercises to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. Today, we recognize we must extend public health limitations for large events in the fall for the safety of one and all.
We did not make this decision easily as we realized its impact on you and your family – and our more than 7,000 other graduates and their families.
In making this decision, we considered all alternatives – especially given the disappointing reality that this will be the first-ever cancellation of an Oregon State University Commencement.
In lieu of continuing to plan what would be a problematic in-person event, we invite you and your family and guests to participate in 2021 Commencement ceremonies on June 12, 2021 in Corvallis and June 13, 2021 in Bend. In addition, we will invite President Emeritus Ed Ray to provide the 2021 Corvallis Commencement address as was planned for this year’s event, and Scott Allan will be invited to provide the 2021 OSU-Cascades Commencement address.
We applaud your achievements at Oregon State University and offer the university’s engagement as you advance in your career, continue studies in graduate school and involve yourself in your community as a new member of the more than 200,000 Beaver Nation alumni throughout the world.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander
President