Dear Alumni,

The Southwestern University community is proud of you and your accomplishments. You completed your degree in the most turbulent of times and under conditions that nobody could have imagined just six months ago!

All of us at Southwestern, from President Trombley and the Trustees of the University to every member of the faculty and staff with whom you engaged during your time on campus, want to celebrate you in person. At the same time, with the increase in reported COVID-19 cases across the country, we are focused on protecting the students, staff, and faculty who will be on campus for the fall semester. Unfortunately, we have been unable to identify a way to welcome 3,000 individuals to campus for an in-person graduation ceremony without adding additional risk to our campus community. Therefore, the University has made the difficult decision to indefinitely postpone your Commencement Ceremony. We know that this may be a disappointment for you and your family and hope that you understand why this decision was made. 

We are continuing to determine how to proceed with a celebration for you and your classmates. As we set forth with making decisions, we seek your thoughts. Please email us with your creative ideas.

Because the October 25 event will not occur, please remember to cancel your hotel accommodations in the Georgetown area. The October 24 Fall Family Day activities have been cancelled as well. 

On behalf of the entire Southwestern community, I want to share my appreciation of you, your classmates, and your families. This has been a difficult year for many individuals, and your class is no exception. We will continue to be in contact with you as additional decisions are made.

Please contact alumni@southwestern.edu with questions. 

Sincerely,