Bentley University Postpones Graduation Because Of Coronavirus

WALTHAM, MA — Bentley University is postponing its graduation ceremony because of the new coronavirus, President Alison Davis-Blake wrote in an email to the community Monday.

Bentley joined a growing number of universities and colleges around the state doing something similar in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, Harvard University announced it have an online commencement. Brandeis University canceled its commencement and plans to reformat it. In response to that, hundreds petitioned Brandeis officials to consider holding an in-person ceremony when it's safe.

The Bentley commencement would have taken place on Saturday, May 16. Davis-Blake said the decision not to hold the large gathering was made to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

The president said the plan is to host an in-person celebration sometime later, once the school knows it is safe to bring people together again.

"While we all wish we could be together in May to celebrate, it’s important that we do our part right now to avoid traveling and holding large gatherings," Davis-Blake wrote.

She said the university will still have a chance to come together to celebrate graduates and that the University Events Office is working on a new date for the ceremony, pointing staff and students to a website with frequently asked questions.

"I recognize how challenging these past few weeks have been," she said, thanking the staff. "I know that our community will see this through."

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