UMA to hold virtual commencements for classes of ’20, 21, on May 8

AUGUSTA — The University of Maine at Augusta will hold two virtual commencement ceremonies to celebrate the classes of 2020 and 2021.
Last year, the Class of 2020 commencement was postponed. This year, CDC and state pandemic protocols continue to restrict large gatherings, making the virtual events necessary.
Nearly 600 graduates in the Class of 2020 will be honored through a commencement program that will premiere over YouTube at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 8. The Class of 2021, with more than 500 graduates, will have its own commencement program at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8, on YouTube. The links to view both virtual ceremonies will be available at uma.edu/commencement.
The virtual ceremonies will incorporate as many of UMA’s traditions as possible, including a commencement address and student speakers, as well as the presentation of awards and honorary degrees and, most importantly, the confirmation of degrees to UMA’s graduates.
After the initial broadcasts, the 2020 and 2021 commencements will be posted on the UMA website. This will allow graduates to plan “viewing” events with family and friends at a date and time convenient to them.
Highlights of the speakers and honorees for each commencement ceremony:
2020 and 2021 commencement address – U.S. Senator Angus King
2020 honorary degree recipient – SSG (Ret.) Travis Mills, Travis Mills Foundation 2021 honorary degree recipient – Capt. Christopher Cassidy, NASA astronaut
2020 student speaker – Courtney Allen, of Augusta, bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies 2021 student speaker – Melissa Meserve, of Limington, bachelor of arts in liberal studies
2021 student speaker – Dylan Morin, of Howland, bachelor of arts in English
2020 Dexter Distinguished Student Award – Courtney Allen, of Augusta
2021 Dexter Distinguished Student Award – Samantha Brown, of St. Albans, bachelor of arts in biology
2020 Distinguished Alumni Award – Debra McIntyre, 2011 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award – Emily Christiansen, 2020
2021 Distinguished Achievement Award – MF Chip Gavin, chief facilities management and general services officer for the University of Maine System.
Additional information with links to view the 2020 and 2021 virtual commencements is available at uma.edu/commencement.