I am pleased to share that the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony for the undergraduate Class of 2020 will be celebrated on Saturday, May 15 at 12 noon at the DCU Center in downtown Worcester. (A separate, virtual ceremony will be held for Career and Continuing Education graduates and the School of Graduate Studies Classes of 2020 and 2021.) The University’s plans for the combined Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony for the last graduating class of Assumption College (now Assumption University) have been reviewed and approved by the Worcester Department of Public Health. All Commonwealth COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols will be in effect for these events.

The change of location to the DCU Center was necessary due to the safety requirements and guidelines for Commencement ceremonies. In addition, hosting these events at the DCU Center will avoid weather disruptions. It is important to note that if the field hospital at the DCU Center is reactivated or if the public health situation declines in the coming weeks, the University will comply with any recommendations by the Worcester Department of Public Health and transition to a virtual ceremony, but only if necessary.

The Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon in the DCU Center by the Augustinians of the Assumption and the Homily will be given by Fr. Ron Sibugan, A.A. Immediately following the Mass, the Commencement Ceremony will begin.

A Commencement Address will be delivered by Robert Royal, Ph.D., founder and president of the Faith & Reason Institute. The valedictorian, Lauren Robichaud ’20, will also deliver remarks. Honorary Degrees will be presented to Dr. Royal and James T. Brett, president and Chief Executive Officer of The New England Council.

To comply with Commonwealth gathering restrictions, admission to all events are by ticket only. Each graduate is welcome to invite two guests. Tickets will be mailed to graduates’ home address on record with the University for those who indicated that they will be present for Commencement. Seating in groups of two will be randomly assigned for the purpose of contact tracing, if needed.

Following Commencement, graduates are welcome to return to campus where they may take photos with the Greyhound statue by the Brian Kelly ’83 Stadium and by the Assumption College sign, which remains at the entrance of campus. Graduates and their guests must wear masks while on campus and practice social distancing at all times. Please know that the Hound Store will not be open on May 15, but you may order Assumption products online.

Additional information can be found on the University website.

Please contact Dan DiTullio in the Office of the President with any questions regarding Commencement or the Baccalaureate Mass at [email protected]

I look forward to finally recognizing members of the Class of 2020 on May 15. 

Sincerely,

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.

President