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College to hold in-person commencement ceremonies in May

Outdoor ceremonies to recognize spring 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021 graduates

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Simpson College announced today that it will host two in-person commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 1 to honor graduates from spring 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021. Both ceremonies will take place at Buxton Stadium in Indianola. 

The first ceremony will recognize spring 2020 and fall 2020 graduates and their families beginning at 10 a.m. The second ceremony will recognize spring 2021 graduates and their families beginning at 2 p.m. To ensure the safety of all in attendance, social distancing and mask protocols will be followed in keeping with Simpson College regulations.

The event will mark the first time since December 2019 – before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic – the college has hosted an in-person commencement ceremony. May 2020 and December 2020 celebrations were postponed.

“We are thrilled to offer in-person commencement ceremonies for our very deserving graduates,” President Marsha Kelliher said. “In the year since COVID-19 changed the world, our students have persevered in the face of unprecedented circumstances. They deserve to walk across the stage among family and friends to celebrate this incredible milestone in their lives.”

Tickets, free of charge but limited in number per graduate, will be required for admission. Additional details regarding ticketing and other aspects of the ceremonies will be provided at a later date.

Commencement will take place rain or shine. Only severe weather will alter the original plan. 

Baccalaureate is scheduled for Friday, April 30 at 7 p.m. Additional details for this event are yet to come.

About Simpson College
Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,268 undergraduate and graduate students. Simpson offers 74 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.
 
Contact Information
Cathy Cole, vice president for Marketing and Strategic Communication
Direct: 515-961-1595
Email: cathy.cole@simpson.edu