Five ways to celebrate graduation from wherever you are!

While Ohio University’s Commencement Ceremony is postponed, students should still recognize that they have reached an incredible milestone in their lives that was accomplished through years of hard work, late-night study sessions, determination and countless other memorable moments as Bobcats. Students should find ways to celebrate with their family, friends or just for themselves until we can safely celebrate as a Bobcat community again. The Division of Student Affairs will host the traditional Senior Toast, virtually, on May 2 at 8 p.m., and below are five more ways to recognize the class of 2020 this weekend!

Have one last night with your favorite Bobcats.

Host a Zoom get-together with your friends. Spend the night telling stories, talking about your futures, figuring out what’s still on your Athens bucket lists and planning what you’re going to do when you can be together in person again. 

Have a mini graduation ceremony.

No worries if you stay up late the night before -- you won’t be late for the big day! DIY a mortar board, don your Commencement outfit, and watch a graduation speech. We like this commencement speech from OHIO alumna, and the voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright. 

Do an OHIO-themed photoshoot.

Wear your favorite OHIO gear and do a photoshoot. Want to add in some props? Try to incorporate some or all of these fun props into your at-home photo studio.

• Glitter or confetti (preferably in a shade of Cutler Green)
• Ohio University drinkware
• A University flag or banner
• Textbooks or something else to represent your major
• Origami Rufus

Write letters to Bobcats who influenced you. 

Tell your favorite professor how much their class meant to you, write to a past supervisor about the skills you learned from them or tell Pumpkin the cat how much you’ll miss him. A thoughtful email or kind note via snail mail can really mean a lot to someone!

Have a virtual party.

Get together virtually with family and friends from near and far, or party with the people you’re living with. Make graduation-themed foods like mortar board s’mores, graduation cake pops or Swiss roll diplomas.

The Division of Student Affairs is so proud of OHIO’s 2020 graduates. They’ve shown remarkable adaptability and perseverance during their time at Ohio University, but especially in the past couple weeks. Graduating is an incredible accomplishment, and we hope you’ll be able to celebrate this weekend and reflect on all you’ve achieved. We can’t wait to see you again when Ohio University can safely hold commencement. Remember, Ohio University will always be here waiting for you, and you will always be a Bobcat!

The Division of Student Affairs would love to see how you’re celebrating graduation! Tag us on Instagram or Twitter at @BobcatStudentLife or use the hashtag #MyOHIOMoment.