University of Richmond Announces Class of 2020 Celebration; UR Alum and NFL Veteran Tim Hightower to Speak at Ceremony

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond has announced plans to host an on-campus, in-person Commemoration Ceremony for the Class of 2020.

2020 graduates were not able to experience a traditional commencement opportunity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The University will celebrate these graduates through a weekend of events, including a main Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 19 in the Robins Center Arena.

The ceremony will feature remarks from keynote speaker Tim Hightower, a UR alum, NFL veteran, best-selling author, and philanthropist.

2020 graduates will be recognized, and the ceremony will be livestreamed and recorded for those who are unable to attend in person. Specific details are being finalized. A series of receptions will also be held throughout the weekend.

All commencement events will adhere to the University’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. Due to the number of people expected to attend, masks will be required at the receptions and ceremony. Six feet of physical distancing and masks are required for any unvaccinated attendees.

“From the moment we made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone on-campus commencement events for the Class of 2020, we began planning for an opportunity to appropriately celebrate this class,” said Alicia Engels, events manager. “Graduation is such an important milestone, and we know the Class of 2020 had a desire for both celebration and closure. We are excited to provide this opportunity for them to return home to campus, reconnect with friends, classmates, professors, and staff mentors, and celebrate the way they deserve.”

The University’s Commencement Committee worked alongside an advisory committee of 2020 alums to guide the planning decisions regarding how best to celebrate. Additional information about the Class of 2020 celebration can be found here.

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