While some universities, such as MIT and Virginia Tech, have announced online commencement ceremonies to be held in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, other universities have rescheduled commencement to late-July/early-August. UF has already confirmed the weekend of July 31st-August 2nd for Spring graduates and the University of Tampa is fighting for a traditional ceremony as well. Traditional commencement ceremonies are extremely important for college graduates and their families because it represents the years of effort and perseverance they put into pursuing their degrees, as well as the paths they have forged for themselves along the way. Holding an online graduation in May and an in-person celebration ceremony down the road deprives students of a possibly once in a lifetime experience that has been held nearly 150 years in the United States. In fact, this summer would mark the 50th anniversary of commencement at UCF (formerly FTU). Please help to keep this sacred tradition in tact, even if it means delaying our recognition for the time being. Preserving this special event will give us all fond memories for generations to come!