Adrian, MI – Siena Heights University is partnering with nearby Michigan International Speedway to provide a unique commencement experience for its 2020 graduates. MIS, located in Brooklyn, Mich., just 22 miles from SHU’s Adrian campus, will host the university’s commencement ceremony October 24th.
The University will conduct the ceremony on the track’s oval, with attendees staying in their vehicles. Graduates will then receive their diplomas at the finish line, and a get a chance to take a “victory lap” on the famous 2-mile MIS track.
“When our regular Commencement Weekend ceremonies were postponed last May due to the coronavirus, we have been thinking about how to honor our graduates,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “With current COVID-19 restrictions in place, it makes it very difficult to bring graduates and their families on our campus to conduct a safe ceremony. We believe this venue will offer a memorable experience, especially since this was supposed to be the culminating event for our 100th anniversary year.”
“We realize everyone has faced significant challenges in 2020, and we are ecstatic that we can create a positive impact on the lives of these students,” said Michigan International Speedway President Rick Brenner. “These graduates have persevered and are well-deserving of this moment.”
University officials are asking graduates to wear their caps and gowns, and there will be special arrangements made to make sure the experience mirrors the usual on-campus experience as much as possible. President Albert said there is precedent for the institution to have its commencement ceremony in a location other than the Adrian campus.
“The institution’s first graduation ceremony in 1924 actually took place at Michigan Normal College in Ypsilanti, which is now Eastern Michigan University,” she said. “And up until a few years ago, we conducted a commencement ceremony at our Lake Michigan College location in Benton Harbor. So we are paying homage to our history and also honoring our graduates and their families for their incredible accomplishments. We are thrilled to be able to conduct commencement at a major league facility like Michigan International Speedway.”
For more information on the event, visit sienaheights.edu/commencement.
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*Media from Siena Heights University*