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Shaw Postpones Spring 2020 Commencement, Minister’s Conference; Cancels SNCC Events

@SpectacularMag

Raleigh, NC – Shaw University today (March 23) announced that its spring commencement ceremony has been postponed until December 2020. The Board of Trustees and administration made the decision in light of directives from health officials and Governor Roy Cooper banning large gatherings due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Shaw University’s decision reflects the commitment to the well-being of students, employees and the entire Shaw University community in the face of COVID-19 outbreak.

“We are postponing, not canceling, our graduation ceremony. Commencement is a momentous occasion for our graduating class and their families. They have worked and sacrificed, and it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments,” said Shaw University president, Dr. Paulette Dillard.

The University has not determined a definite date for commencement. 

Last week Shaw University announced the postponement of one campus event and the cancellation of another.

The 46th Annual Alexander-Pegues Minister’s Conference scheduled on April 1-3, 2020, in the Thomas J. Boyd Chapel is postponed.  An update will be provided when a new date is determined. For more information, contact Anthonette Wright at (919) 546-8570.

Shaw University announced on March 17 that, as part of its comprehensive COVID-19 response, they have canceled the week-long observance of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). “The Spirit of SNCC: Beyond 2020” was scheduled to take place March 30 – April 4, 2020, on Shaw’s campus, where SNCC was founded in 1960.
 
 “While we are profoundly disappointed to have to cancel the SNCC60 celebration, our foremost concern is always the safety and wellbeing of the Shaw University community,” said Dr. Paulette Dillard, president of Shaw University. “We also believe that the spirit of SNCC will live on through the dedication and the work of those who believe in justice and access to opportunity for all.”

Key events for the week had included:

  • A “watch party” for Shaw Rising, a documentary on the history and impact of Shaw University
  • An artistic tribute featuring excerpts of the film Freedom Song, performances of songs from the civil rights movement and spoken word performance
  • Young Leaders Town Hall discussion of civil and social justice moderated by CNN political analyst Bakari Sellers
  • SNCC60 Legacy Banquet featuring “A Conversation with” House Majority Whip, Rep. Jim Clyburn and Dr. David C. Forbes, Sr., a founding member of SNCC.

 About Shaw:  Shaw University, a private university located in vibrant downtown Raleigh, has been dedicated to providing every student with access to the opportunities that will lead them to a brighter future since 1865. Shaw engages each individual student through educational excellence and empowers them to make an impact in their communities and the world. Excellence. Opportunity. This is Shaw U! Learn more at www.shawu.edu.