TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona's class of 2020 will not get to celebrate their graduation in person this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 commencement, which was scheduled to take place at the end of this year's spring semester, was postponed to Oct. 30 earlier this year. On Wednesday, the university announced the commencement celebration would have to be canceled altogether.
"We are heartbroken we have to change our plans for celebrating your graduation," an email to students announcing the postponement said. "We know many of you have been looking forward to these celebrations in person, however, the health and safety of our students, families, friends and communities must come first in our planning efforts."
The email -- signed by "Presidential Events and Ceremonies" -- also says in-person ceremonies for graduations at the end of the fall semester will be canceled as well. The email does indicate, however, that the university plans to hold some kind of celebration for the class of 2020 eventually.
"We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2020 in person and when it is safe to do so, we will be sure to involve students from your class in the planning process," the email says.
