May 9, 2021 —  Northern Kentucky University’s Class of 2020 finally had its big moment walking across the stage. After virtual celebrations last May and December, NKU welcomed 2020 graduates for their own Commencement ceremony on May 9.

More than 300 graduates came back to NKU’s campus and filled the arena Sunday afternoon. The ceremony incorporated many commencement traditions, including the official conferring of academic degrees and congratulatory remarks from President Ashish Vaidya and Interim Provost Ande Durojaiye, as well as fellow graduates, faculty and alumni.

“I am happy to have so many graduates from the Class of 2020 joined us today,” said NKU President Ashish Vaidya. “Knowing how important this is, we were glad to honor their achievements with a safe and meaningful ceremony. I could not be more proud of the Class of 2020.”

Former Student Body President and Regent Hannah Edelen was the featured student speaker in the ceremony. Edelen, who graduated summa cum laude from the College of Informatics and the College of Arts and Sciences, shared her road to success in the midst of incredible challenges. Commencement speaker and NKU Board of Regents’ Chair Andrá Ward (’86) also shared his thoughts and advice on hard work and determination.

NKU has remained committed to providing a meaningful celebration for its graduates, families and guests while balancing the appropriate health protocols. The Salmon P. Chase College of Law bestowed 104 Juris Doctor degrees and ten Master of Legal Studies to graduates during its Commencement ceremony. In all, the university celebrated 5,231 graduates from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 with five in-person ceremonies.

All ceremonies are available for on-demand viewing on NKU’s YouTube channel for any graduates or guests who were not able to attend in person. For more details on the ceremonies and to watch a live stream, visit NKU’s Commencement webpage.