UW-Milwaukee hosting in-person event for students who graduated virtually during the pandemic

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is trying to get in touch with students who were unable to attend in-person graduation ceremonies over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At a recognition event in April, those former students will have the chance to walk across the stage.

In-person graduation ceremonies at UW-Milwaukee were canceled in 2020 and last spring, leaving thousands of students without a chance to receive their diplomas at the campus’s Panther Arena in front of family and friends. The pandemic forced colleges across Wisconsin to do the same.

Virtual ceremonies were held instead, giving grads a chance to celebrate at home, said Kelly Haag, vice chancellor for student affairs.

“But it really isn’t the same as walking across that stage and celebrating with friends and family,” Haag said. “So, it’s really important that we try to provide that opportunity for them.”

UW-Milwaukee is working on a “special recognition ceremony” to be held Sunday, April 10, offering a chance for graduates from the past two years to experience all the pomp and circumstance they missed.

Finding and connecting with those former students may prove difficult, though. After graduation, university email accounts disappear. Haag said they’re searching databases and enrollment applications for alternative contact information. UW-Milwaukee is also reaching out via social media posts.

“We are using all the methods at our disposal,” Haag said. “So, the most recent email addresses that our students have provided to us is certainly one mechanism.”

Keyul Patel graduated during a virtual ceremony in May 2021 with his master’s degree in computer science. He told WPR that he will fly from his home in Seattle, Washington to Milwaukee next month to cross the stage in front of his sister and brother-in-law.

“I don’t want to miss this,” Patel said. “It’s a proud feeling for me and when my family and friends … see, they are (also) gonna be happy. That’s the reason I want to come to the ceremony.”

The event will feature many of the trappings of typical graduation ceremonies, like having graduates’ names read as they cross the stage. The traditional cap and gowns are optional with the university suggesting those foregoing regalia wear all black or the campus’s signature gold and black colors.

Students who graduated in spring 2020, fall 2020 or spring 2021 are urged to register by Sunday, March 20.