2021 Commencement

2021 Commencement Announcements/Activities

Photos from 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

Photos from each of the ceremonies are below:

Photos from Saturday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. 
Nursing

Photos from Nurses’ Pinning 

Photos from Saturday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m.
Business
Education & Sport Science

Photos from Saturday, May 8 at 4:00 p.m. 
Creative Arts
Humanities
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences

Live Stream of 2021 Commencement Ceremonies

Please click on a link below to view the live stream of the ceremonies.

Saturday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. Live Stream.
Nursing

Saturday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m. Live Stream.
Business
Education & Sport Science

Saturday, May 8 at 4:00 p.m. Live Stream.
Creative Arts
Humanities
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences

Commencement 2021 Schedule

Saturday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m.
-Nursing

Saturday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m.
-Business
-Education & Sports Science

Saturday, May 8 at 4:00 p.m.
-Creative Arts
-Humanities
-Natural Sciences
-Social Sciences

Tickets may be picked up one hour before the start of each  ceremony. See ticketing information below.  Guests are required to wear masks at all times and to sit in their designated seating area.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions

Please check back oftern for updated COVID-19 safety precautions for the day of Commencement.

  • Due to the necessity for social distancing, each graduate will be limited to two invited guests that will be permitted on campus. Ticketed seating will be assigned so that your two guests will be seated together in a pod and all pods will be distanced.
  • Masks are mandatory for all on the D&E campus throughout the commencement proceedings. 
FAQs for Day of Commencement

Where do I pick up my tickets?
Tickets may be picked up one hour before the start of the ceremony at the tent on the McDonnell side of the Myles Center for the Arts.

  • If your ceremony is at 10 a.m., you may pick up your tickets between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • If your ceremony is at 1 p.m., you may pick up your tickets between noon and 1 p.m.
  • If your ceremony is at 4 p.m., you may pick up your tickets between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

What time should graduates arrive?
Graduates should arrive at the library bridge no later than 45 minutes BEFORE the start time of your Commencement ceremony.

Where do graduates line up for the Processional?
Graduates should arrive at the library bridge no later than 45 minutes BEFORE the start time of your Commencement ceremony. (Rain Location: Glass wall in the Myles Center for the Arts.)

  • If your ceremony is at 10 a.m., please arrive not later than 9:15 a.m.
  • If your ceremony is at 1 p.m., please arrive not later than 12:15 p.m.
  • If your ceremony is at 4 p.m., please arrive not later than 3:15 p.m.

What time may guests enter the auditorium?
You may enter the auditorium and sit in your reserved seats one hour in advance of the ceremony you are attending.

  • If your ceremony is at 10 a.m., you may enter the auditorium at 9 a.m.
  • If your ceremony is at 1 p.m., you may enter the auditorium at noon.
  • If your ceremony is at 4 p.m., you may enter the auditorium at 3 p.m.

I did not pick up my cap and gown. What do I do?
If you ordered a cap and gown but did not pick it up, see Donna McCauley on the Library Bridge when you lineup.

I did not attend my hooding ceremony. What do I do?
If you did not attend your hooding ceremony and need your hood, see Donna McCauley on the Library Bridge when you lineup.

I did not pick up my special D&E mask to wear at Commencment. What do I do?
If you did not pick up your special D&E mask with the College seal to wear at Commencment, see Donna McCauley on the Library Bridge when you lineup.

What should each graduate wear to Commencement?
Graduates are required to wear their Academic Regalia at Commencement. Please remember to wear the following.

  • Black graduation gown
  • Mortar board with red and white 2021 tassel
  • D&E hood
  • D&E mask with the College seal

When will I / my student receive their graduation photo?
As each graduate crossed the stage to receive their diploma, they will be photographed by a professional photographer from Sam Santilli Photography. Each graduate will receive a copy of their photo by mail, as a gift from the National Alumni Council in late May. In addition, all images will be available on the Davis & Elkins College website

To limit distractions and to observe social distancing, please do not approach the stage to photograph or film the Commencement ceremony.

May I bring a toddler who can sit in a lap?
All people, regardless of age, are required to have a ticket.

How can my family and friends watch the live stream of my ceremony?
Links for the live stream of each ceremony will be posted on Thursday, May 6th.

  • Saturday, May 8 at 10:00 a.m. Live Stream.
    Nursing
  • Saturday, May 8 at 1:00 p.m. Live Stream.
    Business
    Education & Sports Science
  • Saturday, May 8 at 4:00 p.m. Live Stream.
    Creative Arts
    Humanities
    Natural Sciences
    Social Sciences
Ticket Information for 2021 Commencement

Due to the necessity for social distancing, each graduate will be limited to two invited guests that will be permitted on campus.  Graduation will be live-streamed so that other friends and family will be able to watch the ceremony.  Ticketed seating will be assigned so that your two guests will be seated together in a pod and all pods will be distanced. Masks are mandatory for all on the D&E campus throughout the commencement proceedings.

Graduates may reserve two tickets for their assigned ceremony. Please RSVP  by completing this formRegistration will be open from April 17 to April 25. 

Tickets may be picked up one hour before the start of the ceremony at the tent on the McDonnell side of the Myles Center for the Arts.  

  • If your ceremony is at 10 a.m., you may pick up your tickets between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • If your ceremony is at 1 p.m., you may pick up your tickets between noon and 1 p.m.
  • If your ceremony is at 4 p.m., you may pick up your tickets between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Parking Information

Parking will be available in the McDonnell Center lot accessible off Harpertown Road. Parking will not be available on the front of campus.

The Myles Center for the Arts is now accessible on all levels by elevator.

Academic Regalia / Cap and Gown

Graduates are required to wear their Academic Regalia at Commencement.  Caps and gowns were ordered by each graduate at Countdown for Commencement.

Caps and gowns may be picked up at the Bookstore  Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.beginning on April 19th.

If you ordered a cap and gown but did not pick it up, see Donna McCauley on the Library Bridge when you lineup.

If you did not attend your hooding ceremony and need your hood, see Donna McCauley on the Library Bridge when you lineup.

What should each graduate wear to Commencement?

  • Black Graduation Gown
  • Mortar Board with Red and White 2021 Tassel
  • D&E Hood
Commencement Photographs

As each graduate crossed the stage to receive their diploma, they will be photographed by a professional photographer from Sam Santilli Photography. Each graduate will receive a copy of their photo by mail, as a gift from the National Alumni Council in late May. In addition, all images will be available on the Davis & Elkins College website.

To limit distractions and to observe social distancing, please do not approach the stage to photograph or film the Commencement ceremony.

Honor Cords

Honor cords worn during Commencement designate academic achievements of special merit. The colors specify the nature of the achievements. Academic honor cords will be handed out at the line up on the day of Commencement.

  • White, red, and gold cord: Summa Cum Laude
  • White and red cord: Magna Cum Laude
  • White cord: Cum Laude

Departmental honor cords will be handed out by departments in advance of Commencement.

Hooding Information

Hooding will be filmed this year by academic division. Our videographer will be set up inside the Robbins Memorial Chapel per the schedule below.

Please arrive with your cap and gown. Davis & Elkins College staff will have the hood for you.

Wednesday, April 28th-3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Nursing, Creative Arts, Humanities, and Natural Sciences

Hooders:
Lora Abruzzino (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Bridget Esterhuizen (4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Clinton Johnson (5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.)
Jamie Joss (4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Bill King (4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Crystal Krause (5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.)
Lonnie Martin (4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Melissa McCoy (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Valerie Posey (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Jason Pyles (4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Denice Reese (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Sharmi Roy (5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.)
Nathan Sams (5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.)
Karen Seel (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Lisa Senic (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
James Smith (4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Renaud Stauber (5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.)
Shawn Stover (5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.)
Christina Swecker (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Kevin Woodcock (4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Huixin Wu (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)

Thursday, April 29th-3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Business, and Education & Sports Science

Hooders:
Mariah Ack (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Carol Carter (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Melanie Campbell (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Chanda Collette (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Lisa Daniels-Smith (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Mary Jo DeJoice (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Mary Ann DeLuca (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Mark Douglas (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Laurie Goux (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Dean Johnson (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Thomas Kelly (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Evan Merrill (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Tim Miller (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Joyce Nestor (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Jason Pyles (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Danielle Riggins (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Jennifer Riggleman (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Nikki Rose (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Mary Ellen Schubert (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Alex Sivvopoulas (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Jennifer Tesar (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)
Jordan Willis (3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
President Chris Wood (5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.)

Friday, April 30th-3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Social Sciences

Hooders:
Sarah Garrison (3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m.)
Melanie Campbell (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Lisa Daniels-Smith (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Mary Jo DeJoice (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Laurie Goux (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Donna Huffman (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Chris Jones (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Jamie Morgan (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Wendy Morgan (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Joyce Nestor (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Pat Nestor (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Jason Pyles (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Danielle Riggins (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Nikki Rose (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Mary Ellen Schubert (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Lisa Senic (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Carol Talbot (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Hillary Wehe (3:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)

March 1, 2021 Update

Note from President Wood:

As spring semester rolls along and we look forward to warmer days, I continue to be thankful for the care that our students, faculty, and staff have demonstrated in keeping our campus and the surrounding community safe and healthy. This is no easy feat but with weekly testing, mask-wearing, social distancing, and limited traveling, Davis & Elkins College has done a remarkable job!

The prioritization of health and safety for both the campus community and the Elkins Community is paramount as we struggle with weighty decisions regarding spring commencement. We all agree that graduation is a milestone moment in the life of our graduates, their families, and the College. However, with the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a high probability that the 2021 spring commencement will need to be virtual. The final decision will be shared on the 2021 Commencement page on our website by April 1st as well as in the weekly campus email update.

The College is planning to create a commencement video book featuring each graduate, complete with an individualized hooding ceremony and conferring of degree by me. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian will share their speeches and award recipients will be recognized. Should our only alternative be to hold a virtual ceremony, we will share the celebration of this monumental occasion with families across the nation and around the world by streaming the commencement events on the Davis & Elkins College website on the morning of May 8th. Though this might not be our traditional graduation, we are committed to honoring each graduate.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought so many changes to our world and certainly upended recognizing many milestones. I continue to be grateful for the grace and compassion that each of you have shown during these challenging times.

March 30, 2021 Update

Note from President Wood:

As you complete the remaining few weeks of your studies at D&E, I congratulate you on reaching this milestone in your lives. I am confident that your educational experience has prepared you well for a meaningful life and career, and that you will make your soon-to-be alma mater proud.

In February I shared with you the College’s tentative plans for a virtual commencement on May 8, with a promise that we would re-examine this decision by April 1. The combination of decreasing cases of COVID-19 and the rapid rollout of the vaccine have resulted in the decision to announce Davis & Elkins College will have an in-person commencement ceremony. I am confident that we can do so safely. However, there will be necessary COVID protocols and restrictions that will make it unlike previous ceremonies. I ask for your full cooperation and understanding to ensure we can offer a safe ceremony for graduates, faculty, staff, and guests.

Commencement on Saturday, May 8 will occur with three separate ceremonies scheduled at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. All three ceremonies will occur in Harper-McNeeley Auditorium in the Myles Center for the Arts. Graduates will be assigned to one of these times based upon their academic programs.

Due to the necessity for social distancing, each graduate will be limited to two invited guests that will be permitted on campus. However, the graduation will be live-streamed so that other friends and family will be able to share in this milestone moment with each of you. Ticketed seating will be assigned so that your two guests will be seated together in a pod and all pods will be distanced. Masks are mandatory for all on the D&E campus throughout the commencement proceedings. Additional air filtration is being installed in the auditorium.

While a baccalaureate service will not occur this year, each graduate will be hooded by the member of the faculty or staff whom they choose. This hooding will be pre-recorded and displayed as the graduate walks the stage to receive his/her diploma.

Please be advised that in the event of unforeseen circumstances, including a significant spike in community and/or campus spread of the virus, Davis & Elkins College reserves the right to modify Commencement plans so as to ensure the safety of both the community and the campus.

Additional detail will be forthcoming as the date of commencement draws closer. It is a high honor to present each graduate with his or her diploma that is the result of hard work and sacrifice. Along with you, I anticipate a very meaningful celebration on May 8.