This spring, I let you know that we planned to postpone our spring 2020 commencement ceremony to August 27th. Since then, we've closely monitored the COVID-19 situation in New York City and across the country.

I'm reaching out today with a heavy heart to share some unfortunate news.

In order to continue to safeguard the health and well-being of our SFC community, we have come to the difficult decision to cancel the planned in-person Commencement in August.

Please know that, before coming to this conclusion, St. Francis College leadership evaluated all possible options to safely host a celebration that our graduates and honored guests richly deserve. New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio's recent directive to ban all city-permitted large gatherings through September underscored that it is simply not responsible for us to ask our community to participate in a big event like Commencement this year.

What the Class of 2020 endured this year is truly unparalleled. They have handled it with incredible grace and dignity. I'm grateful to all of them. They will be invited as honored participants at an upcoming in-person Commencement ceremony that commemorates their achievements, once we're able to hold one safely.

If you have further questions related to Commencement, please reach out to [email protected].