ST. CLOUD — When St. Cloud State University President Robbyn Wacker addressed graduates from a podium in Ritsche Auditorium on Friday morning, she briefly unhooked the cloth mask from behind one ear to reveal a beaming smile.
“Behind this is a whole lot of this,” she said, pointing to her smile before putting the mask back on.
Covered faces weren’t the only factors making Friday’s commencements unique: Typically in May, all graduates attend one large ceremony. On Friday, graduates were spread out over six ceremonies, spaced out to allow for disinfection and social distancing due to COVID-19 precautions.
“I’ll be up there six times,” said Jason Woods, vice president for strategic enrollment management, on Friday morning. “Our provost (Daniel Gregory) will be at all six, President Wacker will be at all six ceremonies.”
Not all graduates participated, as they all already received diplomas by mail. About 80 graduates attended each ceremony; all were allowed two guests.
SCSU provided three overflow viewing areas on campus so families and others could watch the ceremonies. The commencements were also livestreamed.
Read more: SCSU honors spring graduates in 6 separate ceremonies Friday
