In recognition of this landmark event in the lives of its students and with an understanding of current circumstances, Ohio Northern University is holding a virtual degree conferral ceremony, which will be posted on Facebook at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, at www.facebook.com/OhioNorthern/.

This is the date that commencement ceremonies were originally scheduled for students in the ONU Raabe College of Pharmacy and undergraduate colleges, as well as the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program. The Pettit College of Law ceremony was scheduled for May 17.

Among ceremony will include ONU President Daniel DiBiasio offering remarks, as well as Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Cronley and the college deans conferring the degrees.

It will also include other features of the traditional ONU commencement ceremony, such as the singing of the national anthem and alma mater, as well as a closing benediction and photo images of members of the Class of 2020 during their time at ONU.

During these troubled times, the university has adapted the motto, “Northern being Northern,” which reflects ONU’s commitment to maintaining a certainty of purpose during these uncertain times. The upcoming degree conferral endeavor exemplifies that spirit.

“While the ceremony is virtual, the pride and accomplishment these students feel is very genuine and well deserved,” DiBiasio said.

“Earning an Ohio Northern University degree is the culmination of the complete ONU education our students receive inside and outside the classroom. This year’s class has shown great resilience and courage in how well they have dealt with these difficult and unusual circumstances during their last college term. These traits will serve them well in their future endeavors.”

Approximately 658 students are earning their degrees from the university this academic year, including 149 from the College of Pharmacy, 67 from the College of Law and 442 from the other three colleges.

The university plans to hold an in-person ceremony, and the date will be decided as circumstances – in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic and social-distancing protocols – dictate.