2021 Commencement

In light of COVID-19 cases decreasing, things are starting to happen around campus. Graduation is just around the corner, so we interviewed Cameron Womack, the commencement director, to get an idea of what a graduation ceremony looks like during a pandemic.

Before getting into the specifics of graduation, here is information regarding COVID-19 and why LR has decided to have an in-person ceremony. COVID-19 cases have drastically dropped since the beginning of the semester. On a national level, the 7-day average infection rate has plummeted from 250,000 to just 48,000. The Catawba County numbers reflect this drop. The daily positive tests were in the 200s in January, and now they are in the 30s.

Judging by LR’s return of spring sports, the graduation ceremony will look a bit different. On the sports side of things, only a limited number of guests and students are permitted to attend each game. The games are outdoors, and masks are required. The commencement will look similar to this. It will be held outdoors, only designated guests can attend, and of course, social distancing protocols will be in place.

Cameron Womack provided important details to note for the Hickory campus 2021 commencement, current as of late April 2021. The ceremony will take place outdoors at Moretz Stadium. A question that many graduates have asked is how many guests can come to the graduation? Womack said, “as of now, each student can have up to 4 guests. There is also going to be a virtual option for guests who are unable to attend.” One of the biggest concerns for the commencement planning team is the weather; Womack stated, “if there is a downpour that day, we will have to cancel. We just do not have an indoor facility big enough to accommodate everyone safely if it rains.”

Even though it has been an incredible challenge to plan a safe commencement, Womack and her team are incredibly enthusiastic about being a part of such an important day. When asked to give graduating students life advice, Womack said, “Keep an open mind and know your strengths.”

Unfortunately, we are still in uncertain times, and looking back on pandemics in the past, a resurgence could happen at any time. It is critical to remain vigilant and proactively make efforts to keep the virus at bay. If we continue wearing a mask, washing hands, and keeping a distance, the 2021 commencement will be a success.