[Skip to Content]
Upstate Interim President Mantosh Dewan, MD, at commencement.

Upstate Medical University will hold a virtual Commencement Friday, May 1

Interim President Mantosh Dewan, MD, in letters to students and the campus community said that given the unprecedented time of this global pandemic, Upstate will hold a virtual Commencement on Friday, May 1, beginning at 10 a.m.

Commencement was originally planned for Sunday, May 3, at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College.

Dewan expressed disappointment with having to change the Commencement format, but that it was necessary to ensure the safety of all.

“We certainly understand the disappointment you may feel that we cannot gather in person, as a community, to celebrate this important milestone in your life. We are disappointed too. But the current unprecedented situation we find ourselves in, requires us to take all appropriate steps to ensure you, your families and friends, our faculty, staff and alumni and our community remain safe.

“Do not let the current events cast a shadow on your accomplishments. You have achieved great things. We are proud of you and all that you will do to serve our communities in the years to come,” Dewan wrote to students.

Despite the change in plans, Dewan said Student Affairs staff and faculty will work to create a joyful Commencement celebration infused with Upstate’s spirit and creativity, “even while we care for each other with strict physical distancing.”

Further details on the Commencement change will be forthcoming.

Caption: Upstate’s 2019 Commencement at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College.

Top