TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– Indiana State University hosted virtual commencement ceremonies for 2,050 graduates on Saturday.
The ceremony was the first in the school’s history, after all in-person ceremonies were cancelled earlier this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ceremony included speeches from student leaders and university president Deborah Curtis.
“I know you will forever remember the the global challenges we are facing at the time of this commencement ceremony. These challenges will end but your next journey is just beginning,” Curtis said.
Lucy Hayes is a recent ISU graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
She said this wasn’t how she intended to celebrate her major accomplishment.
“First I was very frustrated like any other student because our whole lives were completely turned upside down,” Hayes explained.
But she was determined to celebrate with her family, even if that meant celebrating in their living room.
“Being apart of something this big is something that I’ll never forget. Along with many of the other students who are graduating this year. We’ve made history. This has all made history.”
Hayes said the ceremony felt strange in the beginning but the moment still felt special.
“After watching the videos it was very emotional I didn’t think I’d get emotional watching something virtually. But I did because it still left the same message,” Hayes concluded.
According to a press release from Indiana State University, all May and August graduates are invited to participate in the winter commencement ceremonies.
