Penna Dexter

A dear friend texted me a photo of her daughter and two classmates on their graduation day from medical school. Decked out in traditional graduation garb — gathered in one of their apartments — these three young doctors were about to go online for their virtual graduation.

Many colleges and universities have outright canceled graduation due to Covid-19. Others planned virtual ceremonies, complete with pre-recorded or remotely delivered speeches. A few schools will hold in-person ceremonies later this summer.

One of the rare schools holding an in-person commencement is Hillsdale College. The ceremony, originally scheduled for May 9, has been rescheduled to take place in July. All graduating seniors have been invited back for a celebratory weekend. Each was offered a $500 travel stipend.

Hillsdale’s President Larry Arnn told The Daily Signal that graduation is “the annual symbol of the achievement the college seeks.” He says, “By celebrating the seniors, we celebrate the common effort.” That effort includes the students themselves, their parents, teachers, supporters of the college, and the students’ friends. In fact, he says the community among the students is of prime importance and that’s why the school is making sure students — and hopefully many parents — will be together again to celebrate and say good-bye.

And Hillsdale will open in the fall. The school is in Michigan, a state that has been very aggressive in its shutdown. Dr. Arnn says, “we have a right to have college…if somebody tries to stop us, we’ll resist that.” Hillsdale is prepared with equipment for disinfecting, thermometers, even ventilators, which Dr. Arnn doubts they’ll need. Students and faculty have the option to participate remotely rather than return to campus.

The college years are “precious” says Larry Arnn. It’s the time “when you build the ability, morally, and intellectually to have a great life.” This college has made a sound determination that the risk of the virus to college-age young people is not enough to interrupt that process.