ORU Commencement Set for August 1, 2020

The ORU Class of 2020 is unique, unlike any other class. Why should its Commencement exercises be any exception?

The 2020 ORU Commencement exercises were supposed to happen this May, but COVID-19 happened first. And that’s why ORU’s “spring” Commencement will be held in the summer, months after the 2020 graduates have “commenced” their professional lives.

But what else would one expect in these unprecedented times?

When it became apparent that in-person Commencement ceremonies would not be feasible at the scheduled time, University administration put out the call to the Class of 2020: would you rather have an online ceremony in May like usual, or would you rather have an in-person ceremony later in 2020. By an overwhelming 3-1 margin, the graduates voted for the latter.

As such, a Commencement unlike any other in the University’s history will be held on August 1, 2020. Like previous Commencement exercises, the 2020 celebration will be held at ORU’s Mabee Center; unlike previous exercises, this one will have parameters prescribed by the latest in health guidelines from local, state, and federal governments.

To accommodate for physical distancing, attendance will be limited and graduates and their guests will be spaced out for the duration of the ceremony. Additionally, masks will be required, though at this time graduates may remove their masks as they cross the platform to receive their diplomas.

“We understand the limitations of this year’s Commencement exercises differentiate it from previous exercises,” said Stephanie Hill, Director of Communications and Co-chair of the ORU Commencement Committee. “But we believe strongly in the in-person experience and are excited to provide our 2020 graduates with this appropriate send-off.”

ORU will be welcoming pastor, author, and worldwide church-planter Larry Stockstill as the keynote speaker. An ORU alum, Stockstill oversaw the growth of Bethany Church, a five-campus, 10,000-member church headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the University’s website at oru.edu and broadcast on GEB, the University’s affiliated television network.

Graduates who need complete, up-to-date information about the 2020 Commencement exercises can visit this page.