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Central Methodist University

Students return to Fayette for CMU commencement

Justin Addison Editor/Publisher
Posted 9/15/20

Central Methodist University held formal commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 on Sunday afternoon. Normally the event takes place in May and the conclusion of the Spring semester. But the …

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Central Methodist University

Students return to Fayette for CMU commencement

Posted

Central Methodist University held formal commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 on Sunday afternoon. Normally the event takes place in May and the conclusion of the Spring semester. But the event was postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the 164-year history of Central, only twice was the graduation ceremony cancelled. Both of those occurred during the American Civil War. University administration was determined to hold the ceremony and announced in June that it would be held outdoors on Sunday, Sept. 13.

“Many of you have expressed your sorrow that you were unable to experience fully your last months on campus leading up to a typical May commencement,” CMU President Roger Drake said in his address to the graduates.

“I hear you, and I feel your pain.”

In total, of the 706 spring and summer graduates from CMU’s Fayette campus, and satellite campuses, 163 graduates returned on Sunday to receive their diplomas and to take part in the time-honored tradition. And while the pandemic remains ongoing, CMU took great measures to observe procedures to mitigate the spread of the virus. 

Rather than hold the ceremony in Puckett Field House, the event was moved across the street to Davis Field to allow for appropriate distancing. Graduates were allowed just four family members to attend. The band did not play and all music was broadcast over loudspeakers.

Masks were required for all graduates, faculty, staff, and those in attendance. In place of the traditional handshake from President Drake, graduates were applauded by administration on stage and each posed for a moment of recognition on a riser placed near the front of the stage.

This year’s Selecman Achievement Award went to Arnold Mukisa. An international student from Uganda, Mr. Mukisa’s mother, Irene, watched the ceremony’s livestream from her home there in the early hours of the morning.

Other top honorees included Rachel Buyck-Hahn, winner of the Victoria Award, and Taylor Rumsey, who earned the Human Relations Award.

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