Nancy Pelosi to Address ‘Virtual’ Commencement

Smith College today announced details of its 2020 commencement. 

The first element of the two-part plan is an interactive, personalized “virtual” commencement that will be held on the regularly scheduled date (Sunday, May 17, at noon Eastern time) featuring an address by Smith’s scheduled commencement speaker, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the conferral of degrees and reading of names for each graduating senior. 

A second, in-person event celebrating the class of 2020 will be held on campus at a date to be determined during the 2020-21 academic year.

In announcing the events in an email to Smith seniors and graduate students, Smith President Kathleen McCartney noted, “Although extraordinary circumstances prevent us from gathering in person this year, they will not preclude the rightful recognition of your accomplishments. Extraordinary circumstances require an extraordinary celebration, and so it shall be. The Smith community will cheer with pride from every corner of the world.”

Smith’s virtual commencement will be broadcast to seniors, families, friends and the public at smith.edu/commencement. Streaming begins at 11:45 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, May 17, and the commencement ceremony will begin at noon. The event also will be recorded for later viewing.

“While virtual, this ceremony will be personal,” McCartney noted in her letter to the senior class. Each senior’s name will be read aloud, accompanied by a photo of the graduate’s choice. Friends and family can watch together and send greetings. In addition to the commencement address by Pelosi, the program will feature remarks by McCartney, Senior Class President Toula Sierros ’20 and Student Government Association President Rosalie Toupin ’20.

Because diplomas are issued only after degrees are officially conferred, graduates will receive their diplomas by mail after the May 17 event. Latin honors, academic awards and other distinctions will be announced in the commencement program, which will be available at smith.edu/commencement on the morning of the virtual commencement. Prizes and a print copy of the program will be mailed to students after the ceremony.

Smith students have been studying remotely since March 30, when classes resumed after an extended two-week spring recess.

McCartney closed her message to seniors with words of encouragement. “Class of 2020, you are making history,” she wrote, “albeit in ways you would not have chosen. We look forward to celebrating your resilience and leadership—with open arms and hearts.”