College to hold graduation ceremonies virtually

MIDDLETOWN — Wesleyan University will hold its commencement ceremony virtually May 24 during which honorary degree recipients and a student speaker will deliver remarks in a series of prerecorded videos, while President Michael S. Roth will deliver live remarks.

Conferral of degrees will also be live. In addition, Wesleyan will hold an in-person celebration in 2021 for the graduates, according to a news release. This year’s honorary degree recipients include award-winning and bestselling author Jacqueline Woodson (commencement speaker); actor and political activist Bradley Whitford ’81; and pastor and social justice advocate Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II.

The recipients were chosen on the basis of their significant contributions to civic life in the United States, including the example they set in bringing new voices into the public sphere and

spurring others to productive dialogue and actions, the news release said.

Rob Rosenthal, the John E. Andrus Professor of Sociology, emeritus; will receive the Raymond E. Baldwin Medal. It pays tribute to the late judge Raymond E. Baldwin of the class of 1916, is the highest honor of Wesleyan’s Alumni Association, recognizing outstanding service to Wesleyan, according to the college.

Rosenthal agreed to accept the position of provost during the height of the Great Recession, and was instrumental in efforts to make sustainable Wesleyan’s mission for education and the public good. Only a few years into retirement, he agreed this past year to return to his position while Wesleyan searched for a new provost, the release concluded.

For information, visit wesleyan.edu /commencement2020. Speaker videos will be available online following ceremonies May 24.