The Class of 2020 at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is unable to celebrate commencement in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But their hard work and achievements will not go unrecognized.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (PRWEB) MAY 04, 2020
The Class of 2020 at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is unable to celebrate commencement in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But their hard work and achievements will not go unrecognized.
Members of the South Dakota Mines commencement committee have planned a virtual commencement video that will premiere on the university’s commencement webpage at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 9. Spring 2020 graduates are also invited to join any future commencement ceremony to receive their degree in person.
“The Class of 2020 deserves high praise for finishing their degrees in these difficult circumstances. These engineers and scientists represent the very best of us all. They have overcome unique challenges to attain success. They are the problem solvers of tomorrow, and their achievements are a great reminder that there is a bright future ahead,” says South Dakota Mines President Jim Rankin, Ph.D., P.E.
The virtual commencement features a unique retro video game theme, fitting for many STEM majors, that intends to have a little fun while recognizing graduates. A teaser previewing the full commencement video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wMSO0Mh6J4.
“We all wanted to do something both heartfelt and fun. Something that acknowledges the challenge of the pandemic, but does not dwell on it. Something that celebrates the achievements of our Hardrocker students and acknowledges our collective essential nerdiness. Hopefully this will bring a smile to the face of our graduates and give them a commencement that is both unique and memorable,” says Travis Kowalski, Ph.D., interim head of the mathematics department and chair of the commencement committee.
The fall 2020 commencement is planned as an in-person event at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Theatre at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 19.
The South Dakota Mines virtual commencement for Spring 2020 features a unique retro video game theme, fitting for many STEM majors, that intends to have a little fun while recognizing graduates.
The Class of 2020 deserves high praise for finishing STEM degrees in these difficult circumstances. They have overcome unique challenges to attain success. They are the problem solvers of tomorrow, and their achievements are a great reminder that there is a bright future ahead.
