During the annual Senior Toast, Chancellor Martin announced that Jennifer Coolidge will speak at the 2024 commencement ceremony, March 27.

A celebration featuring food, games and entertainment will follow the event.

Graduating this year comes with many obstacles—entering an employment field of uncertain modality, missing out on making memories with large groups of friends and saying goodbye to a campus that seniors have hardly inhabited for their last three semesters at Washington University. Each person of the class of 2021 has lost something unique, something that deserves space and time to remember.

“I don’t think any athletes are being asked about what makes sense for us,” senior Julia Dannenbaum said. “It’s definitely disappointing.” 

Dr. Gerberding, who was the first woman to serve as CDC director, will be the keynote speaker at the class of 2020’s delayed commencement ceremony

Abdul-Jabbar, who has been a prominent advocate for racial and social justice since his playing days, will record a speech before commencement that will be broadcast on large screens at Francis Olympic Field and streamed to graduates who will not be at the in-person ceremony.

Ceremonies will be held May 20–21 for the class of 2021 and May 30 for the class of 2020.

All departments in the College of Arts & Sciences will select two days to cancel classes during the spring 2021 semester, as part of Washington University’s efforts to support student mental health and compensate for the absence of a spring break, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences Jen Smith announced in an email to students, Dec. 7.

With all the hard work I’ve put into this degree to now have graduation ripped from my hands hurts so much more than I can put into words.

Washington University canceled commencement for the class of 2020, Chancellor Andrew Martin announced in a video message to the graduating class, Monday evening, as concern over COVID-19’s spread grows nationwide.