08/31/2021
By Jacquie Moloney

At River Hawk Homecoming and Family Weekend in October, we will host a special recognition of our Class of 2020, whose Commencement ceremony was among the many events that could not go forward as planned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This exceptional class of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students — all now alumni — graduated during one of the most challenging periods of UMass Lowell history. They transitioned online with all of us and completed their degrees under lockdown with the grit and resourcefulness we have always seen from UML students at their best.

We honored this class as creatively as we could and conferred their degrees in a fully virtual ceremony. This special evening is one more way to express our pride in their achievements.

We will have a champagne toast, a photo opportunity (regalia optional), the unveiling of digital yearbooks and more. I especially encourage faculty to consider attending to make this moment as special as possible for alumni and their families. To assist with planning, faculty are asked to RSVP.

The event begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, in the Tsongas Center Pavilion. Families are invited to stay for the hockey game with access to the Talon Club. For more information go to www.uml.edu/homecoming.

Thank you for supporting this important recognition of our 2020 graduates.