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News, Media and Stories | Commencement
It was a day long overdue on Sunday as members of Pacific University’s classes of 2020 and 2021 had the opportunity to cross the stage in celebration of their graduations.
The university celebrated its annual August Commencement, recognizing the accomplishments of graduation degree candidates from the College of Health Professions schools of Audiology, Dental Hygiene Studies, Graduate Psychology, Healthcare Administration & Leadership, Occupational Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies, as well as in the university’s cross-curricular PhD in Education & Leadership Program.
More than 700 students will earn undergraduate and graduate degrees, while the university also bestows an honorary doctorate and the coveted Massih Prize during the first in-person spring commencement ceremonies since the COVID-19 pandemic/sports-recreation/outdoor-pursuits.
Schnider, a 1982 Pacific University optometry alumnus, will receive the award at Pacific’s Graduate & Professional Commencement, where she also will be the keynote speaker
Stoller, a 1974 Pacific University undergraduate alumnus, will receive an honorary doctor of letters at Pacific’s Undergraduate Commencement, where he also will be the keynote speaker
The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, on the Marsh Hall East Lawn on the Forest Grove Campus. Tickets are free but required for all guests.
A dance and applied theatre double major, Leiana Petlewski '21 was selected as Pacific’s undergraduate valedictorian for May 2021 Commencement. She also was named the university’s Outstanding Senior in Applied Theatre (along with fellow graduate Julia Peterson ’21), Outstanding Senior in Dance, and Outstanding Senior in the Arts.
The pre-recorded video ceremonies for undergraduate students and graduate/professional students will go live on the university’s YouTube channel at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Due to current COVID-19 trends and restrictions, this large-scale gathering is not feasible in August. The CDC continues to recommend against large gatherings, including for people who are fully vaccinated, and current guidance restricts Pacific from hosting guests at university events, on or off campus. While we are disappointed to miss the traditional ceremony, we are committed to honoring and celebrating the achievements of our graduating students.