Conn announces commencement cancellation
Photo by Shay Maclean
On Tuesday, Dr. Paul Conn announced in an email to the Class of 2020 May and August graduates that commencement weekend, previously scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 1, is now officially canceled due to the risk of spreading COVID-19.
“The problem which we have been unable to solve is how to bring a big crowd together safely during this COVID-19 summer,” Conn said in the email. “The kind of large celebratory event that makes commencement so special is just too risky for everyone’s health.”
According to Conn, he made the decision after consultation with Lee’s Board of Directors, members of the university cabinet, and faculty leaders. In a follow-up video released the next day, Conn explained more of his reasoning behind the decision.
“As painful as it is to all to reach this decision, I believe for us to bring such big crowds together on campus is just too risky,” Conn said. “My first responsibility is to keep you and your families safe and well. We looked at dozens of scenarios, in many different combinations, with masks and distancing in all of them, but we just couldn’t find a way to make it work safely.”
Conn referred to the recent and sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in the southeastern region of Tennessee as motivation to cancel commencement weekend.
“It was an absolute last resort,” Conn said in the video. “We looked good throughout April and May, and then it changed suddenly.”
Conn assured the graduating class Lee would “make it up” to them, inviting them back as “VIP marchers” in future commencement ceremonies throughout 2020 and 2021.
Conn added that the Class of 2020 will receive their commencement program, regalia, signed Bible and diplomas in the mail and the infamous yellow umbrella. A refund for the graduation fee will be issued to all participants as well.
Current Lee students are mourning this lost celebration alongside their graduating peers.
“I think the Class of 2020 was really special and was a huge part of accomplishing a lot of ‘firsts’ for Lee over our four years,” said senior student-athlete Hannah Buttolph. “To see all of their hard work and perseverance pay off and now hearing that it’s canceled … I’m heartbroken for my teammates, classmates and friends.”
Many graduates were looking forward to commencement as a sign of hope in the increasingly troubling pandemic.
“I was clinging on to graduation as a much-needed reminder of all the hard work I’ve done throughout the past four years,” said new Lee alum Forrest McFarland. “Graduating in the middle of the pandemic left me feeling so unresolved. Both myself and many other graduates are trying to find the purpose of our studies in a world that is entirely defined by a somewhat uncontrollable force. It is a huge disappointment to miss out on restoring a sense of community.”
New Lee alumna Hannah Sullens said the announcement initially came as a shock before the realization settled in.
“It was one thing to have our last semester of undergrad be taken from us, but to have graduation canceled was a hard pill to swallow,” Sullens said. “The biggest thing for me is having to come to terms and process the fact that I won’t be able to have physical closure to this massive chapter in my life. I would encourage all of my fellow senior graduates to not let this disappointment halt the immense amount of growth we have not only made throughout these past four years but will continue to make.”
Sullens recognizes the class of 2020 as one of the most resilient classes yet.
“I believe that the Lee University class of 2020 is the most resilient class yet and that we aren’t going to let the losses of this year outshine the victories we’ve achieved,” Sullens said.
Dr. Conn ended his video with an appeal to all Lee students.
“This is a nasty disease, and it needs to be taken seriously. I want you to wear that mask and do that distancing and do what it takes to keep yourself safe,” Conn said.
Conn was scheduled to speak at commencement, making it the last commencement of his 34-year presidency. Conn will transition to Chancellor on Aug. 1, where Dr. Mark Walker will succeed him as president.
Despite the conditions, Conn offered a word of encouragement to the new Lee alumni.
“I know the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a lot from you, but it cannot take away your memories, your friendships, your experiences, your growth, and everything you have learned in your years here at Lee.”
In-person classes for the fall are set to resume in August, following a “hybrid” format with remote capabilities.
For FAQ concerning Lee’s Fall 2020 plans, click here.
