I am pleased to announce final details with regard to the Baccalaureate Masses and Commencement Ceremonies for the Classes of 2020 and 2021. Due to Commonwealth gathering restrictions, this year’s Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremonies will only be open to graduating students and their two invited guests by admission ticket. Only those University employees volunteering in support of these events may attend the Commencement Ceremonies. The Commencement Ceremonies will be livestreamed on the AU Mobile App, University website and Facebook page.

A Baccalaureate Mass for the undergraduate Class of 2020 will be celebrated by the Augustinians of the Assumption on Saturday, May 15 beginning at 12 noon at the DCU Center. The Homily will be given by Fr. Ron Sibugan, A.A. Immediately following the Mass, the Commencement Ceremony will begin. The 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 Mr. James T. Brett, President and Chief Executive Officer of The New England Council.

The Baccalaureate Mass for the undergraduate Class of 2021 will be presided over by the Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of the Diocese of Worcester on Saturday, May 8, 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 38 High Street in Worcester. Concelebrants will include Augustinians of the Assumption and the Homily will be given by Deacon Paul Covino, Director of Campus Ministry. The Commencement Ceremony will be held at the DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 9. A Commencement Address will be given by nationally syndicated Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post columnist George F. Will. Remarks will also be given by the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2021. Honorary Degrees will be presented to Mr. Will and Mr. Vincent Strully Jr., Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the New England Center for Children.

A separate, virtual ceremony will be held for Career and Continuing Education and the School of Graduate Studies Classes of 2020 and 2021.

The University’s plans were 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. 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.

Sincerely,

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.

President