Due to COVID-19 and Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s plans to reopen the state, it is with heavy heart that Linfield cancels the 2020 Commencement weekend. It was originally scheduled for May 31, then rescheduled for July 25-26 due to the pandemic. In-person gatherings of more than 25 are prohibited at least through September.
President Miles K. Davis says “Based on the guidelines and the fluidity of the situation, we don’t feel comfortable setting any date for an in-person ceremony. After meeting with student and faculty representatives and discussing the matter, we felt it best not to schedule another commencement at this time due to the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic. As much as it saddens me to postpone or cancel Commencement twice, it would be worse if we set another date and had to cancel yet again.”
Degrees will officially be conferred as originally planned on May 29, the last day of the spring semester; May 29, 2020 will also be the date that appears on all transcripts and diplomas.
President Davis said in a notice to 2020 graduates, “No doubt, you will grieve the loss of Commencement. Please know that the faculty and staff of Linfield grieve with you. That does not mean, however, that we will not find ways to honor your achievements. I assure you, there will be celebrations. They may take place next year and they may not look as we had all imagined. But we will find ways to mark your achievements, and do what we can to include all the people who have loved and supported you along the way.”
Learn more about Linfield’s plans for future celebrations.
