Dear Colleagues:
I know you are eager to learn what Winthrop’s plans are for December Commencement. As the university continues to navigate the current pandemic and monitor CDC and SCDHEC guidelines regarding large indoor events, it has become clear that, as with May Commencement, we will not be able to hold our traditional ceremony. We do, however, want to celebrate the accomplishments of our degree candidates as much as possible.
Using their responses to a recent survey regarding commencement options, Winthrop will hold a virtual commencement ceremony on December 19 for our December graduates, as well as our August and May graduates. In addition, our December graduates will be invited to campus on December 19 to pick up their degree. (August and May graduates received their degrees by mail.) While neither of these events can truly replace the joyous celebration of a traditional ceremony where graduates are surrounded by family and friends, we will make these events as special as possible as we work to keep graduates, their families and the Winthrop community protected from COVID-19.
I speak for the entire Winthrop community in sharing our disappointment that we cannot hold a regular ceremony, but we know this is the right thing to do. We are exceedingly proud of the accomplishments of each and every one of our graduates, especially as they have completed their Winthrop degree despite a pandemic. They are resilient scholars who prioritized their goals and dreams, and then achieved them!
I thank the Commencement Committee in advance for their work to bring these events to life and welcome our latest Winthrop graduates to the alumni ranks.
Sincerely,
George
George W. Hynd
Interim President
