The Daily Bulletin

It is with mixed emotions that I write you today. When I announced in April that we were postponing our May 2020 Commencement ceremonies to a later date, we all hoped the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic would slow enough to permit large gatherings later this summer or in the fall. While New York State has employed well-thought-out and carefully phased strategies to reopen the region, I don’t see a scenario where a large gathering of more than 2,000 graduates and their guests would be feasible or permitted—even if held outdoors—until a vaccine is developed and widely deployed.

Therefore, I am sharing with you today our intention to celebrate the Class of 2020 virtually on Saturday, September 26, during Buffalo State Homecoming Weekend.

Although this year’s Homecoming Weekend will be markedly different from previous years, it remains a tradition where alumni across the country band together to support our students and their alma mater. So in the spirit of Bengals supporting Bengals, we will gather together virtually to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of the Class of 2020.

More details about the ceremony, including cap and gown orders, will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have ideas on how to make your virtual ceremony the very best it can be, please send a note to the Commencement Committee at commencement@buffalostate.edu.

I look forward to celebrating with you on September 26! Be well and roar on!