U of W planning ‘gradapalooza’ convocation

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This article was published 31/03/2022 (1520 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Following countless COVID-19 convocation disruptions over the last two years, the University of Winnipeg is planning a “gradapalooza” to invite alumni who missed out on their original traditional cap-and-gown celebrations back to the downtown campus.

Post-secondary institutions across the province have confirmed respective plans to host in-person graduation ceremonies this spring as pre-pandemic activities resume across society, now that virtually all public-health measures have disappeared.

The University of Manitoba, Brandon University and Université de Saint-Boniface all plan to hand out degrees of all levels at face-to-face events. Red River College Polytechnic is finalizing the details of its in-person ceremonies.

In the city core, the U of W is organizing similar events to celebrate its Class of 2022 graduates — as well as members of both the classes of 2020 and 2021.

“I’m very excited about this. I’ve been hoping since graduation that they’d do something for the graduates during the pandemic,” said Melissa Anderson, who earned a bachelor of science degree in physics with honours in 2020.

Anderson, 36, said nothing could have prepared her for the stressful situation of finishing a degree during a global health crisis while juggling childcare.

She opted not to attend her last in-person lecture in March 2020 before the university shut down face-to-face operations over fears about the virus and in particular, how it could affect her four children. Anderson’s youngest was a toddler at the time.

“It was very difficult to finish… I was actually kind of like, ‘Should I really continue with this?’” recalled Anderson, who is now pursuing a master of science at the U of M, where she is majoring in biomedical engineering.

She overcame a litany of obstacles, including studying for exams, finishing a thesis, mental-health challenges, taking care of her kids and dealing with their remote schooling.

The postponement of convocation until autumn and cancellation of the university’s annual spring powwow — an event the Fox Lake Cree Nation member had long been looking forward to — also marked a disappointing end to Anderson’s bachelor studies.

Instead of a formal ceremony, she and her close family members recognized the milestone with a backyard gathering in the summer after the initial COVID-19 lockdown ended. Anderson’s father rented a graduation gown for her to mark the moment in style.

The U of W was also among the schools that hand-delivered convocation lawn signs to graduates so passersby were alerted of their neighbours’ accomplishments on daily walks, a staple for many during the early pandemic era since many recreational activities were off limits.

Vanessa Vertz, who is currently completing her master of public administration degree, said she is “ecstatic” about her university hosting in-person convocations in early June.

“I worked really hard over the past four years on my masters degree,” said the 33 year old. “To be able to share the convocation moment with my family, my partner, my friends, my classmates — it’s really important to me.”

Vertz previously completed a bachelor degree at U of W and both of her parents attended the downtown campus, so marking her imminent graduation will be a family alumni affair.

Given that she has been studying part time while working full time, the U of W master’s candidate said remote learning has actually been a welcome change because it has allowed her learning schedule to be more flexible.

Vertz added she is thankful her professors have reached out to offer their support throughout the pandemic.

Both Anderson and Vertz plan to attend their school’s carnival-themed “gradapalooza” later this year. U of W has yet to confirm a date, but the event, likely in June, will feature party games, musical entertainment, photo booths, concession stands and bouncy castles.

“Alumni will have a chance to walk across a stage wearing regalia, and pose in front of fun backdrops for photos with the teachers, classmates, parents, family members, and friends that played an important role in their education,” Jennifer Cox, acting director of U of W communications, said in an email.

Cox said the results of a school survey of recent graduates found one-third would welcome returning to campus for an in-person celebration.

For soon-to-be graduates who are either unable to attend convocation or do not feel ready to return to large events yet, upcoming ceremonies will be livestreamed.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie