In order to ensure the continued safety of its campus community during the ongoing pandemic, Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology will host its baccalaureate and graduate school Commencement ceremonies virtually this year, honoring the classes of both 2020 and 2021. The virtual format will allow the graduates, their families and friends, alumni, and all others who are part of the extended HCHC community to take part without the need to travel.
School administrators have been working closely with local health authorities and following the guidelines of the CDC to make informed decisions. George M. Cantonis, President of HCHC, said, “We were hoping to welcome all of our graduating students back for an in-person Commencement, but COVID numbers are still high in this area and throughout the country. It is critically important that we keep the virus from campus now to ensure that we will be able to open in the fall, so our wisest course of action is to have this year’s graduation ceremonies online.”
As always, the focus of Commencement will be on students and the successful completion of their degrees, with a reading of graduates’ names, major(s), and academic honors, accompanied by their photos. At the end of the ceremonies, a montage of the graduates will be played, giving viewers a glimpse into their pre-pandemic lives on campus.
“We are so proud of our graduating students,” said President Cantonis. “Every one of them has made a lasting mark on this institution and adjusted to the challenges and disappointments of this past year with grace and equanimity. We will celebrate their achievements on May 15 no less than if they were physically present, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the future as alumni living successful, Christ-centered lives.”
As more information becomes available, it will be posted on this website.
May 15, 2021
Commencement will begin at 11 AM EST followed by the virtual Kafeneion
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89888504532?pwd=WWhqOVR4U0RPdFFHa0lSa3BpbW10dz09
Join your fellow graduates for a live, interactive online social hour hosted by faculty and staff. This event will commence 15 minutes after the commencement ceremony ends. The waiting area will open at 12:45 PM EST.
Bring your favorite beverage and maybe a snack. Then, tune in with your camera on and chat with your fellow graduates. A Zoom link will be sent via email to graduates who have RSVP’d. Haven’t done so yet? Click here.