April 30, 2021
Dear HWS Graduates of 2020,
I write with good news. In accordance with guidelines from New York State, we have developed a plan that will allow us to have our limited guests for Commencement sit on the Quad and watch the ceremony live. There will be specific guidelines for entering and exiting the Quad, and all registered guests must be wearing the appropriate lanyard/nametag and bracelet to gain access and secure a seat. Your Commencement Speaker, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Bishop Michael B. Curry ’75, is looking forward to being on the stage at Coxe Hall and celebrating with you and your guests.
As a reminder, you must register your two guests for Commencement no later than Monday, May 17. Please note that the ceremony will happen rain or shine, except in the case of a severe storm that would preclude us from holding Commencement on the Quad.
We have put together a list of frequently asked questions that we hope will provide clarity for you and your guests regarding the protocols and the check-in system. We’ve made one change since our last message: to accommodate the travel schedules of guests, we’ve extended the hours of check-in on Friday, June 4, to noon through 8 p.m. Check-in is also available from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 5 and 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 6.
A livestream link to the ceremony will be available on the Commencement 2020 website for any family members or friends to view the ceremony from around the world.
If you have any questions about Commencement, registration or activities for the weekend, please contact us at alumrelations@hws.edu.
We are excited to celebrate with you in June!
Sincerely,
Chevanne DeVaney ’95, P’21, P’23
Director of Alumni and Alumnae Relations