WSU Honors Graduates at Spring Commencement
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University will honor the graduates of fall 2020 and spring and summer 2021 during multiple events, both in person and virtually on April 29, 30 and May 1.
Weber State University officials expect the class of 2020-21 to total more than 6,497 graduates — the largest class on record. Approximately 200 additional students have applied for summer 2021 graduation.
“These graduates will always be remembered for the determination they displayed in completing their college education despite the obstacles,” said Brad Mortensen, university president. “I applaud their grit and tenacity and know our Wildcats will use these strengths to continue to lead and succeed.”
The ceremonies will begin with a virtual commencement, April 29 at 7 p.m. This year’s commencement speaker is Ta’u Pupu’a, a former Weber State and NFL football star, turned professional opera singer.
The event, which will be streamed live, will provide an opportunity to hear from student commencement speaker Kassie Anne Harbath, an exercise and sport science major. Throughout her educational journey, Harbath has faced family losses, but her education has been a constant in her life, driving her to persevere through obstacles.
During the ceremony, honorary degrees will be conferred upon this year’s three recipients: Cecelia H. Foxley, a philanthropist and mentor who served as the commissioner and chief executive officer of the Utah System of Higher Education; Lou Jean Flint, who has spent a lifetime of work in education and with the Utah System of Higher Education; and Gene Sessions, WSU history professor and former director of WSU Davis.
The 2021 Brady Presidential Distinguished Professors also will be honored during the ceremony. This year’s recipients are economics professor Michael Vaughan and English professor Mikel Vause.
At the conclusion of the program, each graduate’s name will be displayed on screen.
In-person graduation ceremonies for each college, where graduates will be recognized individually, will be held April 30 and May 1 at various times, beginning at 9 a.m. each day. The ceremonies will be held in Stewart Stadium. In case of inclement weather, events will move to the Dee Events Center. All ceremonies will be streamed live online.
Each graduate will be allowed one graduate ticket and two guest tickets. Graduates can register for tickets beginning April 12 by accessing the commencement link at weberstatetickets.com. Only those with tickets will be allowed in the stadium. (Depending on the number who register and current mass-gathering guidelines, additional tickets may be available the week of graduation.)
Faculty and staff are not required to attend but are welcome if there are available seats. They can register for tickets beginning April 26.
The ceremonies will follow health department recommendations for social distancing. In compliance with the state’s guidelines, everyone in attendance must wear a face covering.
Graduates can order their regalia, including tassels and honor cords, from the bookstore free of charge. The deadline to ship is April 16.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
For photos, visit the following link:
Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • shayleestevens@weber.edu- Contact:
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu