NEOMED to Hold Virtual Commencement to Honor 2020 Graduation Class

Ceremony will allow graduates and families to celebrate together while maintaining safe social distance

Northeast Ohio Medical University will celebrate the accomplishments of its graduates in a special virtual ceremony that aligns with COVID-19 pandemic executive orders enacted by Ohio’s Gov. Mike DeWine and Department of Health Director, Amy Acton, M.D., a 1990 graduate of NEOMED’s College of Medicine.

NEOMED will honor its future physicians, pharmacists, medical researchers and other professionals who earn degrees as part of the University’s 40th graduating class. The celebration will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 2, and will be streamed live for public viewing via the University’s mediasite.

The live feed will pair pre-recorded components of a traditional-looking ceremony with live  participation of students via Zoom. Members of  NEOMED’s Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy and Graduate Studies will be able to interact in real-time and celebrate as their names are called for their degree conferrals ― all from the comfort of their homes with family and loved ones. Students will don their full academic regalia, which was shipped to them for the virtual event.

With extra production qualities, the virtual commencement will feature the same pomp and circumstance of the traditional in-person event, including a special ceremony for military graduates, the reading of the class oaths, and an address from John T. Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., NEOMED’s seventh president. The graduating class will be the first under the leadership of Dr. Langell.

Originally, the University planned to hold its Commencement ― same date and time ―  at E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. But once COVID-19 officially became a pandemic, NEOMED’s Office of Student Services knew it had to quickly consider alternatives and work with students as well as all three colleges to develop a plan.

With 230 health professionals – many of whom are heading to the frontlines via residencies and practice in June, if not sooner ― postponing graduation didn’t appear to be the best option.

“We wanted to find a solution to properly honor our incredible graduates before they move on to their residencies and professional careers,” said Sandra Emerick, senior executive director of academic affairs and student services at NEOMED. “While recognizing the need to maintain social distance, we were determined to find a creative, lively and memorable way to do so.”

About Northeast Ohio Medical University
For more than 40 years, Northeast Ohio Medical University has worked in collaboration with its educational, clinical and research partners to successfully train health professionals and medical researchers who serve and impact the region and beyond. The University trains students in a team-based, interprofessional environment and offers Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees and research opportunities in other medical areas. In addition to research conducted within its colleges, NEOMED advances innovation and research in health care through six research focus areas. Visit www.neomed.edu.

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