Coronavirus concerns cause Wittenberg to postpone commencement

Scenes from Wittenberg University’s 2018 Commencement Ceremony Saturday. Bill Lackey/Staff

Scenes from Wittenberg University’s 2018 Commencement Ceremony Saturday. Bill Lackey/Staff

Wittenberg University has postponed its commencement.

Originally scheduled for May 16, the ceremony has been pushed back indefinitely as a result of the coronavirus.

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In a letter to the university community posted on the school's website, University President Mike Frandsen announced the move.

“I am saddened by the need to take this action, and I know it breaks the hearts of the Class of 2020 and their families,” Frandsen wrote. “Spring is traditionally the time to celebrate the class’ entire Wittenberg experience, culminating in each graduate crossing the stage in Commencement Hollow. This cherished time was on track until upset by this global pandemic, but the journey surely does not end with a date as our class knows well.”

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A new date has not been determined, but the school president assured students degrees will be conferred by mail “shortly after” May 16.