Dear Members of the Fordham Community,

It is my sad duty to inform you that we are postponing the 2020 University Commencement and diploma ceremonies because we cannot assume it will be safe to bring together the graduates, their families, and the campus community in May.

Of course we all wish it could be otherwise. My heart goes out to the graduates and their families: this is a tremendous disappointment to them, capping a spring semester full of disruption and uncertainty. I have written directly to the members of the graduating classes (undergraduate and graduate) to inform them of the decision, and to promise that we would hold a Commencement ceremony for them this year as soon as we are assured by the CDC and state authorities that it is safe to do so.

Commencement is a special day in the lives of students and their families—we feel it, too, every year. It is the happiest day in the academic cycle, and we very much hoped to see it go on as planned. We will inform the University community, and of course the graduates and their families, when we have set a new date for the ceremony.

Until we can all meet together on Edwards Parade, I wish you all good health and safety in these turbulent times. You are in my prayers, today and every day.

Sincerely,

Joseph M. McShane, S.J.