April 2, 2020
Dear CIM community members,
Commencement is, for many of us at CIM, the highlight of our year. It is the opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate with our graduates and their families the hard work and sacrifice that all have made in order to successfully complete rigorous study in one of our programs. We gather to remember the good and the bad, the challenges and successes, and the beautiful music which they have created over their time with us. Commencement is the moment where we recognize their achievements, and acknowledge that progress through CIM has been, from the very beginning, a team effort. For our graduates and families, it is a moment to celebrate the completion of this chapter. For the faculty and staff, commencement is the strongest reminder of why we do what we do – to empower students to achieve their dreams and potential.
It is with sadness that we must announce that, due to the cataclysmic global crisis surrounding the COVID-19 virus, we will not be able to hold an in-person Commencement ceremony this year. We know how disappointing this is for the entire CIM community, and we are especially disappointed not to congratulate our graduates in person as they walk across the stage of Kulas Hall.
We are currently working on plans to honor the achievements of the class of 2020 in spite of these circumstances, including inviting them to participate in the 2021 Commencement weekend (May 14-15, 2021) and potentially hosting an online event this year. Students expected to graduate in May have received a separate message that invites their input in planning that online celebration.
Please be assured that students who have met the requirements for graduation will have their degrees conferred, receive their diplomas by mail and be able to request any final transcripts needed for graduate or post-graduate studies.
We would like to thank you for your patience, understanding, flexibility and empathy during this uncertain time. While this isn’t the spring semester any of us would have chosen, we’re finding evidence each day of CIM’s strong community, and we’re proud of each one of you.
Sincerely,
Paul W. Hogle, President | CEO
Judy Bundra, PhD, Chief Academic Officer and Dean
