Office of the President Header

Dear Stonehill Community Members,

I write to update you on our proposed plans for the College’s 70th graduation ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2021.

Our goal is to hold an in-person event for our graduates, and in order to do so, we will be moving the ceremony to an earlier date, Saturday, May 15th at 10:00 a.m. The Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated Friday evening at 4:00 p.m.

Based on state guidelines, as well as health and safety measures we currently have in place, we are not able to accommodate families and guests for these events. I recognize this news is disappointing to the many loved ones who have supported their students during this challenging time, but we feel this is the safest way to be able to provide our graduates in-person Commencement events. We will be providing virtual access to the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement so families and the broader Stonehill community can participate remotely.

Please know that this in-person event format is our goal, and we will work toward making it a reality, as we know it means so much to the senior class. That we are able to consider these Commencement options is due in large part to the collaboration and commitment by students, faculty, and staff in adhering to our health and safety protocols. I know it has not been easy, and I extend my deep appreciation to everyone who has worked so diligently in keeping our community safe.

I should note that if the current situation should reverse course with increases in positive cases and/or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts introduces wider limits on social gatherings, we would be required to adhere to them and, if necessary, suspend the event. We hope that this does not occur and are optimistic that, given the outstanding continued efforts of our community, we will be able to honor the Class of 2021 in this traditional format.

The College will be providing additional details on its website in the upcoming week.

Sincerely,
Fr.John Signature
(Rev.) John Denning, C.S.C.
President