The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of traditional commencement ceremonies for universities across the nation and at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso.
Although social distancing guidelines are in place, TTUHSC El Paso already has plans in the works to host virtual ceremonies to honor graduates from the Foster School of Medicine, Hunt School of Nursing and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
The virtual ceremonies will follow traditional ceremony programs, with remarks from Richard Lange, M.D., M.B.A., president of TTUHSC El Paso and dean of the Foster School of Medicine, each of the deans for the Hunt School of Nursing and Graduate School, and a class representative, as well as the conferral of degrees.
As each name is read, a photo of each graduate will be shown on screen. Students also had an opportunity to submit photos throughout their journey to be included in a slideshow that will play during the virtual ceremony.
“While I recognize that a virtual ceremony cannot replace a traditional ceremony, I have worked closely with leadership across our campus to ensure that graduates are still given a moment that honors the hard work and achievements that have come from their time at TTUHSC El Paso and serving our community,” said Dr. Lange.
Graduates from the class of 2020, their friends, family members and loved ones are invited to gather via Facebook Live and recognize the many accomplishments of these students.
Students were invited to participate in the planning of virtual commencement and they emphasized keeping the formality of the ceremony but personalizing the program to remember their experiences.
The livestream can be accessed on TTUHSC El Paso’s Facebook page. Viewers will be able to comment and engage with one another during the live broadcast.
“As always, my main priority is the health and well-being of our entire TTUHSC El Paso community. Once we can safely gather to celebrate again, graduates from the class of 2020 are welcome to join our next series of physical commencement ceremonies,” said Dr. Lange.
Loved ones who wish to send a special message to their graduates, and students who wish to share their favorite memories from their time at TTUHSC El Paso, can send short video clips to the Office of Institutional Advancement at [email protected] by Monday, May 11.
The video clips will be used to create a montage, which will be posted on the university’s social media channels.
Each school’s ceremony will still be held at its previously scheduled date and time; and can be seen via Facebook Live
- Hunt School of Nursing | 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences | 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9
- Foster School of Medicine | 6 p.m. Friday, May 22
Following each ceremony, the broadcasts will be made available for all to view and revisit on the university’s Facebook page.
