Brandman University to celebrate virtual commencements

The following content first appeared on the news page while UMass Global operated under its former name of Brandman University.

IRVINE, Calif. (June 1, 2020) – Brandman University will hold virtual ceremonies for the Class of 2020, ensuring graduates receive well-due acclaim for their achievements at a time when public health orders preclude traditional ceremonies from taking place.

Commencement is a red-letter day for all colleges and universities, and the occasion is particularly meaningful for Brandman graduates. Brandman fulfills a special mission of serving working adults who earn their degrees while they are also building careers and raising families. Many Brandman students are veterans, or enroll while on active duty.

“Commencement is a time for families to cheer while their loved ones enjoy the triumph of earning a degree and mastering valuable knowledge,” Chancellor Gary Brahm said. “Our Virtual Commencement will ensure Class of 2020 graduates are recognized for their accomplishments. Although we will be unable to gather in the same places this year, Brandman is committed to showing graduates and their families the high value we place on their futures.”

Virtual Commencement events will take place over the weekend of June 12-14. Brandman is inviting graduates, their families and friends to view streaming ceremonies that will be particular to their chosen degrees. The university is also encouraging graduates to provide personal statements and photos to be included in Commencement webcasts.

Graduates earning bachelor’s degrees can also provide videos of themselves turning their tassels as a ceremonial affirmation of their promotion from undergraduate student to university alumnus or alumna. Ceremonies will also include the traditional readings of graduates’ names.

Brandman’s Virtual Commencement planners are also looking forward to graduates, as well as their friends, families, and university faculty and staff, using social media to share their enthusiasm and congratulate each other in real time during this year’s celebrations. Class of 2020 graduates who also want to experience a more traditional in-person Commencement will be able to join 2021 events, provided the future public health situation is such that large gatherings can be held safely and in compliance with any and all applicable government directives.

Brandman had scheduled 11 Commencement events in California and Washington before the new coronavirus made large gatherings impossible. The schedule would have included multiple large-scale celebrations in California; smaller affairs in Washington State, where many of the graduates studied at military bases, and one ceremony at Naval Air Station Lemoore in Central California that would have been strictly reserved for active duty graduates.

###

ABOUT BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY

Brandman University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. As part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with innovative programs and support services designed for students with busy schedules. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, credential and certificate programs. Brandman serves about 24,000 students, more than 14,000 of whom enroll in academic credit programs, at 25 physical campuses in California and Washington, as well as online. Brandman offers fully-online courses for students anywhere in the United States and for military personnel serving abroad. For additional information, visit the university’s website.

Media Contacts:

Terri M. Carbaugh, Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs: Carbaugh@umassglobal.edu

Andrew Edwards, Senior Multimedia News Writer: Edwards1@umassglobal.edu