Commencement 2021 (March 18, 2021)

Dear Seniors,   

As Winter Term comes to a close I am sure most of you have started to think about Commencement. I am pleased to announce that Lawrence will host an in-person, outdoor Commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m.  Like many of the events since last March, Commencement 2021 will look different than in years past. Our goal will continue to be a celebration of your time at Lawrence and the milestones you and your classmates have achieved. Many details still need to be worked out, but so far we know that:   

  • Commencement will be held at the Banta Bowl in order to safely accommodate all attendees. 
  • All seniors will be invited back to campus to participate in the ceremony, including those who currently live off-campus. 
  • Each graduate will be allowed up to two guests in order to accommodate our social distancing guidelines.  
  • The university also plans to host commencement events such as Baccalaureate and the Commencement concert. Some events may take place in a virtual format. More details will be provided in the coming weeks. 
  • As in years past, Commencement will be streamed live via Lawrence’s YouTube channel, so it will be available to friends, family and graduates around the globe. 
  • All regalia, including caps, gowns, and tassels, will be provided to graduating seniors by the Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA). 
  • We are also developing plans for a virtual alternative if the need arises.  
  • More details will be shared via email as they become available.  You can also visit go.lawrence.edu/commencement, to find up-to-date information about the ceremony.  

A survey will be sent to all seniors within the next two weeks requesting information regarding your plans for Commencement.  It is important that you respond to this survey as soon as possible so that we can begin to finalize ceremony arrangements. 

As we end our last year at Lawrence, together, I am deeply thankful for your leadership of our learning community.  I am particularly grateful for your commitment to Honor the Pledge, which has allowed us to consider an in-person celebration of your time here.  Since your arrival in Appleton, I have had the honor of watching you take full advantage of the Lawrence experience. Your successes as Lawrentians are even more meaningful in light of the challenges of this past year. I am so honored to be able to celebrate this important milestone with you, in person. I look forward to seeing you on campus or via zoom during Spring Term. Until then, I wish you a restful and healthy spring break.  

Sincerely,  
Mark

Mark Burstein
President, Lawrence University