Dear members of the senior class and families,
As spring once again arrives at Wellesley, I am writing to share our current plans for commencement for the class of 2021, which will be held on Friday, June 4, at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Wellesley’s 143rd commencement will be a hybrid ceremony that includes an in-person gathering for on-campus seniors and a virtual gathering for seniors, families, and friends not on campus. The new state guidance permits us to bring together our on-campus seniors and faculty and select staff who have been active in our testing program in term 4 for a physically distanced, in-person gathering as hoped. Our remote seniors and all families and friends will attend the event virtually.
To the greatest extent possible, the event will resemble a traditional Wellesley commencement. We will read the names of all graduating seniors, and we will find ways to include remote seniors and their families in the ceremony.
Speaking both as your president and as a physician, I am committed to hosting a commencement that recognizes the accomplishments of our entire senior class and that, at the same time, keeps our community safe. While vaccine distribution is accelerating, we are also seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, including variants, here in Massachusetts and in many other parts of the country. For these reasons, and in light of the state’s recent guidance, I feel confident the plan we shared in December remains the best way forward.
Commencement is an extraordinary time, and one of my favorite traditions to take part in as president. It is a moment for you, as seniors, to reflect on the challenges you have overcome, the heights you have reached, and the resilience and growth you have demonstrated, especially during this past year. While we will not be all together on campus or joined by families and friends, I have no doubt this commencement will be memorable—in large part because of what you, the evergreen class of 2021, have accomplished.
We look forward to gathering in early June to honor and celebrate you and to show our appreciation for the friends, families, faculty, and staff who have helped you on this journey. Wellesley’s first hybrid commencement will certainly be one for the record books. And we will do this the Wellesley way—in sisterhood and siblinghood.
Thank you, and take care!
Paula A. Johnson
President
