Tri-C to hold in-person commencement June 9

Two ceremonies will take place at Byers Field at Robert M Boulton Stadium in Parma

Cuyahoga Community College announced it will honor its Spring 2021 graduates on June 9, with inperson commencement ceremonies at Byers Field at Robert M Boulton Stadium in Parma.

Tri-C President Alex Johnson shared the news with the campus community this week. The outdoor celebration will be the college’s first in-person commencement since December 2019 and the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Two ceremonies will take place, with each limited to 300 petitioning graduates, according to a news release. Four guests may accompany each graduate to witness their cap-and-gown moment.

The more than 12,000-seat stadium venue provides enough space to gather while maintaining physical distancing guidelines. Graduates overwhelmingly requested that the college find a way to hold an in-person commencement to celebrate their academic achievement, the release stated.

A virtual commencement option will also be available for TriC’s spring graduates at 7 p.m., June 9. The college held virtual celebrations for graduates in spring and fall 2020 given restrictions on large crowds due to the pandemic.

In his message to students, Johnson applauded graduates for demonstrating persistence and courage to overcome the challenges of the past year and complete their degrees and certificates.

“Everyone’s health and safety remain a top priority for Tri-C as we plan for the exciting return of an in-person graduation,” Johnson said in the video. “I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, June 9.”

Details regarding Tri-C’s Spring 2021 commencement — including ceremony times — will be emailed to students.

Information will also be posted at tri-c.edu/commencement and shared on social media as it becomes available.

“Everyone’s health and safety remain a top priority for Tri-C as we plan for the exciting return of an in-person graduation. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, June 9.” — Tri-C President Alex Johnson