In lieu of a traditional graduation ceremony, Clarkson College hosted a staggered graduation celebration that allowed fall 2020 graduates to walk and receive their diploams in front of two of their invited guests in Howard Hall on campus. To hand out diplomas, College President Dr. James Hauschildt stood on stage for 10 hours and greeted each graduate.
Dr. Hauschildt spoke to WOWT 6 News about the experience. “I’m a nurse, I still remember what it feels like to be on my feet for a long time,” he said.
The event took place from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., and each graduate was given a five-minute time slot to receive their diploma and allow their guests to take photos and videos. Despite the regular event being cancelled due to COVID-19, graduates were grateful for the experience. “This is a big moment,” one graduate said. “And [Clarkson College] knew that and they figured out a way to let us have something.”