Ohio State graduates and families to celebrate weekend of achievement

Thousands of students, families and friends will have a chance to celebrate academic success at The Ohio State University this weekend.

Ohio State will host ceremonies to honor all members of the Class of 2020 and the graduates of the 2021 summer semester. The 2020 Graduate Celebration will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Ohio Stadium. Summer commencement is at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8, in its traditional location, the Schottenstein Center. 

President Kristina M. Johnson will preside over both ceremonies. Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, will serve as the speakers for the graduation celebration. Bruce A. McPheron, professor of entomology, Dean’s Chair of CFAES International Programs and former executive vice president and provost, will address summer 2021 graduates. David D. Awschalom, director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, which recently partnered with Ohio State on quantum research, will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree. Carol L. Newcomb and William J. Shkurti will receive the university’s Distinguished Service Award.

The university will confer 1,788 degrees and certificates during summer commencement.

Ohio State previously honored the Class of 2020 in virtual ceremonies in May, August and December 2020.

2020 graduate celebration

The event is a celebration of the 2020 graduates’ accomplishments in the face of the pandemic’s challenges. Graduates can wear commencement regalia or their favorite Buckeye attire. Tickets are not required, though graduates are asked to RSVP. Friends and family are encouraged to attend.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremonies will be livestreamed.

Consistent with university mask guidance announced on Aug. 2, students, faculty, staff and visitors are required to wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status. Masks continue to be required outdoors for unvaccinated individuals when they cannot maintain physical distancing. Vaccinated people are not required to mask outdoors.

To ensure the safety of all graduates and their guests, heightened security measures will be in effect. Ohio Stadium opens at 6:30 p.m. The following stadium gates will be open to the public: North Rotunda; Gates 7, 9 and 11 on the West side; Gates 8, 12 and 14 on the East side. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit the commencement website for more information on the 2020 celebration.

Summer Commencement 2021

Participation in the ceremony is reserved for graduates of summer term only. Tickets are not required for guests of the summer commencement ceremony.

All graduates must wear proper academic regalia to participate in the commencement ceremony. Graduates, their guests and participants in the Schottenstein Center are required to wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status. 

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremonies will be livestreamed. A replay of highlights will air Monday at 7 p.m. on WOSU.

The Schottenstein Center opens at 12 p.m. on commencement day. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit the commencement website for more on the summer 2021 commencement.