Pitt to Virtually Celebrate Class of 2020 on April 26

Many Pitt families have had April 26, 2020, circled on a their calendars for a long time. Had it not been for COVID-19, more than 4,800 undergraduate students would have crowded into the Petersen Events Center with their loved ones to commemorate their academic achievements at the University of Pittsburgh’s annual commencement.

Instead, on Sunday, April 26, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. ET, the first online gathering of its kind in Pitt’s history will celebrate the nearly 8,000 undergraduate, master’s, professional and doctoral candidates that make up the Class of 2020. The University will host the virtual celebration on commencement.pitt.edu.

Pitt remains committed to honoring these graduates with a proper in-person commencement when circumstances permit large gatherings again, but the University community is determined not to let this class’s milestone go unmarked.

“This year’s graduates are remarkable—and not just because they have thrived academically during an unprecedented time in humankind’s history,” said Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “I am proud of all that they accomplished during their time at Pitt and look forward to celebrating their continued successes for years to come.” 

“The milestone that commencement represents is one of the most significant ones our students, faculty and staff work toward each and every year,” said Ann E. Cudd, provost and senior vice chancellor. “It is the day that best illustrates our University's mission—and nothing can change that. I look forward to celebrating the Class of 2020’s exceptional accomplishments.”

The virtual celebration will combine elements of a traditional graduation ceremony with activities that take advantage of the online medium. Lasting approximately 30 minutes, it will include remarks from Chancellor Gallagher, Provost Cudd and four graduating students, in addition to greetings from deans and alumni.

Students can expect more information about the ceremony in an upcoming invitation sent to their Pitt email accounts.

Viewers are invited to share photos using #PittGrad20 before and during the event. Follow Pitt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to celebrate with the Class of 2020 and for more coverage of the festivities.