WVXU: College grads get their moment after missing high school graduation
COVID-19 prompted the cancellation of most in-person graduations four years ago
WVXU spoke to members of the graduating spring class of 2024 at the University of Cincinnati about why commencement was more meaningful to them after missing their high school graduation four years ago to a global pandemic.
COVID-19 has killed nearly 1.2 million people in the United States since the first cases were diagnosed here in 2020. Health officials at the time recommended canceling most public events, including graduation ceremonies, to slow the spread of the virus.
WVXU spoke to students such as UC graduate Darl Jacob, whose high school canceled its graduation ceremony. Jacob, who attended high school in the United Arab Emirates, told WVXU that he was not permitted to enter the United States during the earliest pandemic lockdowns, so he took his first classes virtually with other UC students, albeit with an eight-hour time difference.
But Jacob said he quickly made friends when UC resumed in-person classes.
"They always made my day better," he told WVXU. "I never had a sad day just being around them. It's hard being away from home, but it's because of these people that I never felt bad."
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Enquirer posted a photo gallery of UC's commencement, which featured the largest numbers of spring graduates and degrees awarded in UC history.
Featured image at top: UC celebrated commencement over four ceremonies at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
'Unforgettable weekend': GameDay, Homecoming help Bearcats make memories
November 9, 2021
The University of Cincinnati was in the national spotlight with ESPN’s College GameDay and Good Morning America featuring the UC Bearcat football team's rise in football ranking. UC defeated the University of Tulsa on the football field during Homecoming.
CCM shares fall 2022 schedule of performances and public events
August 12, 2022
Audiences are invited to return to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) concert halls and theaters to experience world-class performances and presentations by the next generation of performing and media artists! The college’s fall 2022 schedule of free and ticketed events is now available. Tickets go on sale beginning on Monday, Aug. 22, through the CCM Box Office website.
WLWT 5: UC raises awareness for National Food Bank Day
August 28, 2023
Friday, Sept. 1 is National Food Bank Day and it is an opportunity to make an immediate impact on the Bearcat community.