University Plans In-Person Celebration of Class of 2020

The class of 2020 at Rockhurst University is noteworthy for so many reasons.

For one, their commencement was the 100^th in the school’s history. But to most, this group will most likely be remembered for how profoundly the COVID-19 pandemic affected their college experience, eventually causing their in-person commencement to first be postponed, then moved completely online.

On Sept. 18, 2021, these recent alumni will finally have their (in-person) moment in the spotlight, as the University will host a celebration of this very unique class as part of the annual Family and Alumni Weekend festivities.

“It was obviously disappointing to many of our graduates that they were not able to celebrate the milestone of earning a college degree alongside the classmates, friends and families that helped get them achieve it,” said Mary Mooney Burns, vice president of advancement. “With vaccinations ongoing, case numbers going down, and guidelines in place, we are happy we are able to safely give the members of this class their moment.”

From noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, Rockhurst will welcome the Hawks who graduated in 2020 back to the nest for a celebration in Kansas City’s Power and Light District, featuring photo opportunities, special gifts, deals at the surrounding restaurants, and a short program to recognize the class that history might never forget.

In both its setting and goal of celebrating an outgoing class, the event calls to mind a more recent tradition for University graduates — Hawk Walk.

“We really want this class to feel special, because having experienced what they did in their graduating year, they are,” Burns said. “But we also hope that by giving them a chance to be part of this tradition, they know they are a part of a Hawk family more than 100 years old and 31,000-strong.”