YSU Plans In-Person Commencement at Stambaugh Stadium

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University will host in-person commencement ceremonies this spring, including a belated ceremony for the class of 2020.

The events will be held at Stambaugh Stadium with safety protocols in place, including social distancing and the requirement of masks. The events are open to graduates, family members and friends; not tickets are required.

“With cases of COVID-19 on the decline and the rapid expansion of vaccinations, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to once again gather together to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our graduates,” YSU President Jim Tressel said in a statement. “You have shown great perseverance in the face of tremendous challenges over the course of the past several months. Your determination is an inspiration to us all, and we are excited to be able to get together in-person to recognize your accomplishments.”

The commencement ceremony for spring, summer and fall 2020 graduates will be held at 6 p.m. May 7. Graduates are asked to RSVP online HERE.

Two ceremonies will be held May 8 for spring 2021 graduates. At 9 a.m. those graduating from the Cliffe College of Creative Arts, the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and the Williamson College of Business Administration will have their ceremony, followed with a 3 p.m. ceremony for those in the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education and the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services.

Plans for the in-person graduation ceremonies could be changed at any time, depending on what happens with the coronavirus, the university noted.

Caps and gowns for 2021 graduates will be mailed soon, while the class of 2020 got their caps and gowns last year. All graduates should report to the north side of Stambaugh Stadium one hour prior to the start of commencement for further instructions and for ushering to the field. Guests will be seated socially-distanced in the west side stands of the stadium. Free parking is available in all campus lots.

More information is available on YSU’s commencement webpage. 

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.