College Celebrates Virtual PharmD Commencement

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all previously scheduled commencement ceremonies have been cancelled University-wide. In an effort to recognize the accomplishments of the PharmD class of 2020, the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy hosted a virtual celebration.

Students, families, and friends were invited to visit pharmd2020.phar.umich.edu beginning April 25 at 2:00 PM.

The website contains congratulation videos from faculty, staff, and alumni and prerecorded speeches from some of the original event speakers. Visitors can learn more about the class and their post-graduation plans through an interactive pin board map. 

“Graduation was the day my pharmacy class of 2020 was looking forward to for a very long time,” explains Cecilia Li, PharmD’20. “Unfortunately due to the pandemic, all forms of celebrations were cancelled – except, an online virtual celebration that the college put together especially for us. I was speechless.” 

“Not only was the website beautifully designed, it was filled with kind send-offs and well-wishes from faculty, staff, and alumni,” says Cecilia. “We were able to see our composite photos, end of the year awards, and trace where everyone will be starting their careers in a few months. As my class’ speaker of the oath, my recorded video of the recitation was also posted on the website so that my classmates could recite it along with me. Although we weren’t able to be together physically that day, I am so thankful that the COP took the time to put together this commencement website that made the day feel just as special. Thank you to all the alumni out there who sent a video! You made our day. It’s definitely bittersweet knowing that it’s time to leave my COP community, but I am so proud to have graduated from this amazing college. Forever go blue!”  

Alumni, students, and friends are encouraged to visit the site and leave the graduates a message of congratulations on the guestbook. Although we cannot cheer on the class of 2020 in person, we can give them a virtual round of applause. Congratulations and best wishes, graduates!