By Joe Garvey

Old Dominion University commemorated its spring 2020 graduation class with a weeklong celebration, culminating with Saturday's virtual commencement.

"Graduates, this has been a semester unlike any we have previously experienced," President John R. Broderick said. "With the resiliency that defines our Monarch spirit, together we have risen to face every challenge that has come our way during this global pandemic. And you have made it to the finish line, completing all those requirements for graduation. Commencement is one of the greatest milestones of your life. Even though we can't celebrate in person this weekend, today we celebrate virtually you and your success."

Broderick acknowledged the adversity the students faced.

"The last few months have been difficult," he said. "But as Monarchs, you not only adjusted, but you thrived, demonstrating your agility, innovation and determination."

The celebration included a number of virtual events, including a virtual bucket list challenge, a mortarboard decorating challenge, a "Fill-in the blanks ODU-Grads" template on Instagram, the annual Student Honors and Awards celebration, a "Throwback Thursday" where you could share recreated photos from your freshman year and today, and an ultimate Class of 2020 #FBF (Flashback Friday) that allowed you to relive the past four years of your Monarch experience while jamming to a #ODUGrad Spotify playlist, curated just for the Class of 2020.

For more info, including how to get Facebook and Twitter covers, Facebook Frames, GIFs and Zoom backgrounds, go to our graduation website.

And be sure to follow us on our social media accounts:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olddominionu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Old.Dominion.University/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/odu
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ODU

This is not the final celebration for the Class of 2020. An on-campus commencement is scheduled for Dec. 18.

"I look forward to seeing you in person or virtually when we hold your rescheduled commencement to formally celebrate your accomplishments," Broderick said. "In the meantime, congratulations from all of us at Old Dominion University."

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