There’s no denying that COVID-19 has turned everything upside-down. To those facing major life events, such as graduation ceremonies, it may feel especially unfair — and the consequent disappointment is completely justified. We all want to wake up from this nightmare, but in the meantime, it’s important for graduates everywhere to remember that the state of the world doesn’t lessen your accomplishments, even if you’re celebrating graduation virtually after completing an online degree. It doesn’t erase your hard work, and it doesn’t change the fact that you’ve now earned the right to call yourself an alum.
True, the Commencement celebration looks a little different at EFSC this term, but May 14 is still your day. Here are five ways to make the most of it:
1. Plan a Remote Viewing Party
Getting together in-person still isn’t recommended, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your big accomplishment with loved ones near and far. On different schedules? In different time zones? No problem! EFSC’s Virtual Commencement ceremony will include a pre-recorded video comprised of remarks from College leadership, faculty members and students, as well as the names of Spring 2020 graduates.
The video will air on WEFS-TV on Thursday, May 14 at 11 AM EDT. It’ll also be posted to the EFSC website at the same time, so you can plan your watch party whenever it’s most convenient. Download one of our custom Eastern Florida video conferencing backgrounds — including some of the King Center, where Commencement ceremonies are traditionally held — and hop on a group video call with your parents, grandparents, siblings, significant others, friends and more.
2. Use Custom Social Media Graphics
Because graduation is digital this term, celebrating on social media is one of the best ways to get in the spirit! We’ve created a special set of graphics to help you share your Titan Pride, including cover photos, profile frames, animated stickers, story frames and more. You can even download and decorate a virtual cap!
The collection includes graphics for both grads and family members. Check out what’s available now, but be sure to bookmark the page, as additional content will be added between now and Commencement Day.
3. Get Your Free Alumni T-Shirt
Celebrate your alma mater by joining the EFSC Alumni Association. It doesn’t cost anything, and it’s a great way to stay connected. On Commencement Day, they’ll even be giving away free T-shirts to help commemorate your achievement! Here’s how to get one:
- Join the EFSC Foundation and Alumni Association group on Facebook
- Post a photo or video to the group on May 14 that shows how you’re celebrating graduation remotely
- Use #EFSCGrad in your post
- Indicate your shirt size in the comments
4. Post To EFSC’s Commencement Social Media Wall
For this graduation ceremony, we’ve included something never before seen at EFSC: a virtual social media wall. Not gonna lie, we’re pretty excited about it.
Want to be included? Simply post to Instagram, Twitter or Facebook using #EFSCGrad, and your content will appear on the wall in real-time. So get creative! Post those virtual mortarboards. Take your best selfie with one of our custom frames. Snap a pic of your watch party (even if you’re all in sweatpants — we won’t judge). This is your day, and it’s time to scream it from the social media rooftops.
5. Give Us a Follow
Speaking of the social media rooftops, this blog post just wouldn’t be complete without at least one shameless plug:
We’ll be sharing loads of fun graduation content on our @easternflorida social media channels (especially Instagram), so be sure to add or follow us — and don’t forget to use #EFSCGrad in your posts (yes, there’s a recurring theme here).
Finally, to the Class of 2020: You. Are. Rock. Stars. On behalf of everyone at Eastern Florida State College, I’d like to congratulate you on reaching this impressive milestone. We know how hard you’ve worked, and we’re all incredibly proud of you. Now that you’re done celebrating graduation virtually, go out and change the world!
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- 5 Tips for Celebrating Graduation Virtually - May 6, 2020
- Artist Spotlight: Between the Lines - March 20, 2019
