Grove City College will recognize the Class of 2020 with special events at this year’s Homecoming celebration, Oct. 2 to 4.
College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 announced the plan in a video message to graduating seniors released over the weekend to mark what would have been the College’s 140th Commencement. It was among several events postponed or cancelled because of the College’s March closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In its place, the College will host a dinner and commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 on campus. A baccalaureate service for the graduates is set for Sunday, Oct. 4.
“It’s our intention to make this day very special for you,” McNulty said. The College’s newest alumni will also another “first” to an already long list for this year’s graduates. “You’ll be the first class ever to walk in the homecoming parade in your ‘zero year’ class reunion,” McNulty noted.
Celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2020 will be front and center at the biggest alumni event on the College’s calendar, Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod, senior director of Alumni and College Relations, said.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity to honor our newest members of the Alumni Association during their first Homecoming. The Class of 2020 deserves this unique opportunity and as we begin to make plans for their ceremony and time on campus, we will be doing this with our campus partners and will be communicating the further details with the Class as plans are finalized,” she said.
In his video message to graduates dispersed by the pandemic, McNulty noted their “great achievement” of earning a bachelor’s degree from Grove City College.
“When you consider all the time, dedication and cost invested in pursuit of this goal, it is certainly no exaggeration to describe it as an extraordinary accomplishment. I hope you take the time to put on your cap and the tassel and celebrate and take a few pictures to mark this tremendous occasion in your life,” he said.
“You have been equipped with an invaluable set of truths about God’s creation and the human condition and your purpose in this world … You have been educated holistically – mind and heart,” McNulty said. “You are a Grover. You are equipped to succeed.”
Watch Grove City College’s Commencement Tribute at www.gcc.edu/commencement.