Davenport University Stages Second Drive-Through Commencement to Honor 2021 Graduates

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a successful fall event, Davenport University is preparing to host its second drive-through commencement celebration, this time to recognize its 2021 graduates, on May 2.

The commencement will be held at Davenport University’s W.A. Lettinga Campus, located just outside of downtown Grand Rapids. Once again, students will be encouraged to bring their families and friends, wear their graduation cap and gown, hear commencement speeches, walk across the stage, receive their diploma cover and stand for a photo.

“Student and community safety remains a top priority for all of us at Davenport,” said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. “As we found in the fall, a drive-through ceremony is a creative way to honor our students for their hard work and success, while also allowing families and friends to celebrate our graduates’ incredible achievements in person.”

Davenport University will recognize more than 1,400 graduates in 2021. This year’s Davenport University graduates range in age between 17 and 71. Students will be earning degrees spanning from accounting to cybersecurity to occupational therapy, urban education and nursing with nearly 30 percent earning a graduate degree and another 70 percent earning an undergraduate degree.

“We’re thrilled to recognize our graduates in an inclusive, safe, creative way,” said Dr. Gilda Gely, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “Our students have expressed their desire to gather in person to be recognized. While as a community we’re making strides, we all agreed a drive-through commencement is once again the best approach to honor our graduates in person, while also protecting our Davenport community, friends and family, some of whom may be medically high-risk.”

On Sunday, May 2, students will line-up in their vehicles within the campus parking lot according to their colleges and, following commencement speeches, will join a processional and be called forward for recognition one at a time to ensure a safe and organized experience for all who attend.

Davenport is reaching out to each of its graduates to collect RSVPs for the event. Families are encouraged to ride along for the celebration or watch the event through a livestream at davenport.edu/commencement.

Additional details will be available on davenport.edu/commencement in the next few weeks.

About Davenport University:

Founded in 1866, Davenport is a private, non-profit university serving about 7,500 students at campuses across Michigan and online. With tuition among the lowest of all private universities in the state, Davenport provides high academic quality, small class sizes, conveniently located campuses, faculty with real-world experience and more than 60 dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs addressing in-demand careers in business, technology, health professions and urban education. To learn more visit www.davenport.edu.