MGA To Recognize 1,300 Graduates At Fall 2020 Virtual Commencement

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, December 7, 2020 12:00 AM
Category: Pressroom

Macon, GA

About 1,300 graduates and soon-to-be graduates will be recognized at Middle Georgia State University's 2020 virtual fall commencement ceremony, scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. The ceremony will recognize MGA students who graduated in spring 2020, as well as those who are finishing up degree requirements now and will graduate this fall. The virtual ceremony can be viewed at https://www.mga.edu/live.

MGA decided earlier this fall to hold a virtual graduation ceremony this month due to the ongoing state restrictions regarding large gatherings and social distancing requirements resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. These health restrictions also prevented the University from holding an in-person ceremony this past spring, and the students who graduated that semester will be recognized along with summer and fall graduates during the December 10 virtual ceremony.

The virtual processional will include slides of each graduate that will feature their names, degrees, and any academic honors they have earned. Graduates were given the opportunity to upload photos of themselves that will be used on the slides.

“We know that a virtual ceremony cannot replace the in-person graduation experience, but we are determined to create the most celebratory event possible for our graduates and their families,” said Dr. Christopher Blake, MGA president. “We are grateful for the support and understanding of our graduates and their willingness to continue to adapt to these unique circumstances. They met the challenge and saw their degrees through to completion. They truly have found and demonstrated their greatness.”

Of the 669 candidates for fall 2020 graduation, 55 will receive their master’s degrees, two will receive post-baccalaureate graduate certificates, and 484 will receive their bachelor’s degrees. The other graduates will receive either associate’s degrees or undergraduate program certificates.

Of the 616 students who graduated in spring 2020, 65 completed master’s degrees and 429 completed bachelor’s degrees. The rest received either associate’s degrees or undergraduate program certificates.

The ceremony will feature pre-recorded remarks by Blake and Dr. Debra Matthews, interim provost. Graduate Karolina Philmon, MGA’s 2020 President’s Scholar, will also speak. The deans of each school will have messages for graduates of their programs. Student Katherine Carter will sing the National Anthem and the MGA Chamber Singers will sing the alma mater, “Knights of Truth and Honor.”