UAlbany Prepares to Celebrate Commencement with Classes of 2020 & 2021
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 13, 2021) – The University at Albany is gearing up to host a series of in-person commencement events at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium over the next week from Saturday, May 15, to Friday, May 21, for graduates of the Classes of 2020 and 2021.
The Great Dane Graduation Experience is a new approach to UAlbany’s traditional ceremony. Rather than assigned seats and speeches, graduates will move through the stadium concourse in regalia at assigned times with up to four guests. It culminates with a formal crossing of the stage, at which time grads’ names will be announced.
Attendees must follow all COVID-19 safety protocols including: no more than 200 total people inside the stadium at one time, a 12-foot physical distancing guideline and required mask-wearing. The events will be held at their scheduled times, rain or shine.
UAlbany’s in-person events will be followed by a virtual commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 20 which serves as the official degree conferral for all Class of 2021 graduates and their families. All ceremonies will be live streamed and recorded. You can also follow #UAlbanyGrad and share your own photos using our printable frames, social media frames, filters and graduation-themed gifs.
By the Numbers:
More than 3,050 undergraduates from the Class of 2021 are set to receive degrees, including summer, fall and winter semester recipients. Among the estimated 2,339 students completing their degrees in May, some 30 percent are first-generation college graduates and 32 are veterans. The graduates range in age from 19 to 63, with an average age of 23. Women make up 56 percent of the class. Students hail from 21 states and 18 countries. The undergraduates will receive degrees in 55 different majors.
About 1,300 students from the Class of 2021 are set to receive master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and graduate certificates, including summer, fall and winter semester recipients. This includes 779 master’s degrees, 95 doctoral degrees and 39 graduate certificates. Among the estimated 913 students finishing degree programs in May, women make up 62 percent of the class. Students are from 16 states and 23 nations. The average age of the graduates is 29, with the oldest student set to receive a doctorate degree at age 78, and the youngest student receiving a master’s degree at age 21. There are 18 veterans.
Last spring, more than 5,000 students from the Class of 2020 were honored during the virtual OneUAlbany Graduation Celebration. They are invited back to participate in this year’s in-person events.