February 4, 2021

Dear students, faculty and staff,
 
Although the spring semester is just underway, we have some exciting news to share about Commencement and Honors Convocation 2021!
 
CIM is committed to holding Commencement in person for graduates. Based on what we understand today about the coming months, we expect the ceremony to be held in person and limited to graduates and the small number of faculty and staff who play important roles in the event. We will produce a high-quality livestream so that family members, friends and the entire CIM community can still celebrate together, virtually. If local conditions improve, we’ll gladly welcome more guests to attend; alternatively, if conditions deteriorate, we will shift to an online-only celebration similar to 2020.
 
There are many things we are still working on, but here some details:
  • Commencement will be Wednesday, June 2, 2021. It is tentatively scheduled for 7pm Eastern, although that is subject to change. It will likely be held off-campus, unless local venue capacity restrictions ease significantly.
  • Honors Convocation (in person with the same attendance restrictions as Commencement) will be either Tuesday, June 1, or Wednesday, June 2, in Kulas Hall. The date and time will be determined once Commencement is finalized.
  • Rehearsals for both events will be scheduled to be as convenient as possible, and we’ll share that information later with graduates and award recipients.
  • In addition to diplomas and/or certificates, graduates will also receive a printed invitation and event programs as keepsakes.
 
In the coming weeks, we’ll announce the Commencement and Honors Convocation speakers – a very dynamic lineup representing a variety of experiences and perspectives on the future of classical music.
 
I want to extend sincere thanks to the SGA and BSU members who participated in a roundtable discussion that helped inform our Commencement and Honors Convocation planning. Rachel Lauson, Darilyn Fine, Emera Gurath and Chad Polk spoke passionately about the importance of celebrating together with their classmates, and it’s our intent to honor that conviction to the best of our ability. 
 
While this is undoubtedly welcome news, we know it also leaves many unanswered questions. CIM’s Commencement planning team is meeting regularly to finalize plans and resolve issues, and will keep you apprised as more information is available.
 
Onward!
 
Paul W. Hogle
President | CEO
The Mary Elizabeth Callahan Chair