Update for Families: May 8

Office of Communications
May 8, 2020

Dear Kenyon families,

As students cross the finish line of an historic semester, the College announces plans for celebrating seniors, recognizes a few brave alumni, provides alternatives to in-person internships and offers a moment of shared song.

Virtual celebration of the Class of 2020
The College will honor the Class of 2020 on Friday, May 29, at 7 p.m. EDT with a special online celebration and conferring of degrees (the recording also will be available for later viewing). The program will be a mix of formal moments and special surprises, including remarks from Assistant Professor of Sociology Austin Johnson, who was to deliver this year’s Baccalaureate address, as well as a message from Senior Class President Jodi-Ann Wang. This celebration is not meant to replace the in-person Commencement ceremony, which will be scheduled for a later date, but it does mark an important moment — the point at which students officially become graduates.

Kenyon thanks its alumni in the COVID-19 fight
This week, in conjunction with a global effort to raise awareness and funds for COVID-19 relief, five Kenyon alumni (a physician, a staff chaplain, a reporter, a public health professional and a biopharmaceutical researcher) shared stories of how they’re pitching in, helping out and giving back during a global pandemic.

CDO introduces Professional Extension Project
Throughout the ongoing crisis, the Career Development Center has continued to offer career counseling to students and alumni. In addition, with many internships being canceled, the CDO has introduced a virtual way for students to gain relevant, professional experience through self-contained projects in a variety of fields. These projects, offered by alumni and families, are completed remotely. If you think you can offer one of these projects to a Kenyon student, please fill out this form.

Kenyon Harmony Project livestream tonight
During this time apart, members of the MUSC 325 Music & Entrepreneurship class have been collecting music submissions from the Kenyon community. Tonight (May 8) at 7 p.m., they’ll share a livestream of performances as part of the Kenyon Harmony Project, culminating in a virtual ensemble performing "Kokosing Farewell."

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