Graduating Seniors to Be Celebrated During Virtual Events

Graduating seniors can raise a glass, put on their Class of 2020 T-shirt and enjoy their achievements. Starting on Thursday, May 7, seniors may join in the virtual activities of Senior Week, recognizing their accomplishments together with their classmates.

“It’s been a tough end for this senior class, and we wanted to make sure that they are celebrated and honored,” says Matt Shaler, program coordinator with the Office of Student Activities. “Hopefully, students can take a moment to step away from everything that’s going on and enjoy these events.”

The University sent care packages, with special items, to undergraduate May graduates and their families to help students mark the milestone. Student leaders, the Office of Student Activities and the Office of Alumni Engagement also organized virtual events for seniors in place of the traditional Senior Celebration events.

Student Association President Mackenzie Mertikas ’20, who will take part in a special senior toast event on Thursday, May 7, applauds the work and dedication of all the graduating students.

“To the Class of 2020, congratulations! All of our hard work and determination has finally paid off and while this may not be how we expected our time at Syracuse to end, I am confident that even during these challenging times, your strength, determination and passion will continue to shine through,” Mertikas says. “I cannot wait to see what you all accomplish next and wish you the best of luck on your next adventure!”

Seniors can participate in the following events:

Virtual Senior Sips: A Toast to the Class of 2020, Thursday, May 7, from 9 to 9:45 p.m. ET

This senior class toast, also known as the “senior sip,” will be held via Zoom and feature emcee Andrew Regalado ’20 and guest speakers, including Mertikas and Senior Class Marshals Serena Ogie Evah Omo-Lamai ’20 and Kyle Rosenblum ’20, and several surprise guests. The Forever Orange Student Alumni Council, the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Office of Student Activities are also part of the event. The care packages included a champagne glass, so students can toast along with their classmates. Students are asked to register for the event. Contact Shaler at mjshaler@syr.edu with questions.

Please note: The Zoom call is limited to the first 300 registrants from the undergraduate Class of 2020. All seniors, families and others are encouraged to join the event live on the Syracuse University Alumni Facebook page to be a part of this special event.

Concert with Canadian DJ Kaytranada, hosted by University Union, Friday, May 8

Canadian DJ Kaytranada will perform a livestreamed concert Friday night as part of University Union’s virtual programming. Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students, faculty and staff can view the concert Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available through Eventbrite, and a Zoom link will be provided before the livestream begins.

Show Off Your Shirt Saturday, Saturday, May 9

Students were sent a class shirt in their care package, and they are encouraged to wear their T-shirts and share photos on social media using the hashtag #showoffyourshirtsaturday. A photo backdrop of the Hall of Languages was also included in the care package, so students can take graduation photos in their cap and gown in front of the iconic campus building.

The entire campus community is invited—as well as parents, families and friends of the Class of 2020—to a special Virtual Degree Conferral on Sunday, May 10, at 10 a.m. ET. Visit the Celebrating the Class of 2020 webpage to access the virtual event.

The Virtual Degree Conferral will include special remarks from Chancellor Kent Syverud, Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost John Liu, Chair of the Board of Trustees Kathy Walters ’73 and Mertikas, along with appearances by surprise guests and a performance of the alma mater.

The University’s full, traditional Commencement ceremony will be held this fall at a time and date to be announced.