John Cabot University to Postpone Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony
John Cabot University has decided to postpone the Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony and related events, originally scheduled for May 15 through 18, to a later date, amid safety concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made on Friday, April 3 by JCU President Franco Pavoncello.
A view of the Guarini Campus of John Cabot University
“It is with the deepest regret that I inform you that JCU’s 2020 Commencement Ceremony will be postponed to a date still to be defined,” said President Pavoncello in a letter to the JCU community. “The growing outbreak of Covid-19 around the world has brought to a halt all international travel and led to the closing of national borders. Italy, one of the countries most affected by this virus, has experienced an unprecedented health emergency and has seen severe restrictions put in place by national and local authorities, restrictions that are still in place. In light of the above, and in consideration of the need to protect and safeguard the health of our community and of the general population, we feel that any large public assembly this Spring is not conceivable. Rest assured, however, that once this extraordinary emergency is behind us, and large assemblies can once again be held safely, we will find a proper time and occasion to hold an in-person Commencement Ceremony and give the recognition to the Class of 2020 with the pomp and circumstance that has been a traditional feature of JCU in previous years, and which graduates have surely earned and well deserved,” continued President Pavoncello.
The President will consult with JCU’s academic leadership, and with Student Government, to review possible dates that might be feasible for the ceremony, and to discuss other possible forms of recognition that may take place at the end of the semester. In any case, upon completion of the academic requirements, all eligible students will receive their JCU degree.
In his letter, the President also commended JCU students for the way they have dealt with the many challenges presented by this unprecedented global crisis. In conclusion, he said, “Please be assured that the decision to delay the Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony does not diminish in any way the pride and admiration that I, the Faculty, and the rest of our community have for your achievements, and our firm conviction in the success of your future endeavors. Stay safe and healthy.”
Student Government President Carlos A. Salas Villanueva said, “On behalf of Student Government, I want to thank the President for the admirable job that he is doing during this difficult time. The decision made by the University is totally understandable. As disappointing as it might be, we must stick to the recommendations from the Italian government to keep everyone safe. I also think that postponing the ceremony is a nice gesture and the students will still have the chance to be celebrated. I’m certain that I speak on behalf of the class of 2020 when I say that we are grateful.”
