Due to the coronavirus pandemic, related state restrictions and the uncertainties of when we can safely gather again, we've made the difficult decision to hold a virtual commencement for spring 2021 which will premiere on Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m.

From all public health indications, large gatherings such as commencement will not be feasible by early May. We are making the best decisions we can with the information we have in this rapidly changing environment.

"We understand that commencement is a significant milestone for our students and their families," said Lakeland President Morris W. Beverage, Jr. "We are committed to celebrating our graduates' accomplishments, which are even more remarkable during the COVID-19 pandemic, while keeping the safety of our campus community as our top priority."

Lakeland's commencement planning team is working diligently to create a virtual experience that honors each of our graduates and captures the spirit and energy of our traditional ceremony.

When we had to cancel our in-person commencement ceremony last spring due to the pandemic, we committed to invite graduates from December 2019, May 2020 and August 2020 to the 2021 celebration.

Those graduates will be invited to the Spring 2021 Virtual Celebration.

More details about the Spring 2021 Virtual Ceremony will be forthcoming.

By: Jessica Novak