Lynn University recently announced that their 2021 Commencement Ceremony will be virtual. This is a disappointing and rather lazy decision on behalf of Lynn University. We appreciate the effort and the steps the University has taken to keep everyone safe during this time. However, there are plenty of ways to organize large scale events safely! For example, Florida Atlantic University (population: 30,377), a university within 2 miles of Lynn University is hosting an in person ceremony. They plan on hosting two separate ceremonies at different times, while requiring facial coverings and also broadcasting the ceremony online for those unable to attend. Florida State University (population: 32,812) and University of Florida (population: 52,367) have also developed unique yet safe ways to host an in person ceremony. As a first generation college graduate this ceremony is more than just receiving a diploma. This means everything to my family and I, and to celebrate an achievement as big as this virtually is just heartbreaking. My classmates are outraged by this decision and we demand an in person ceremony! Lynn University has a population of about 3,000 students. Lynn is one of the most innovative universities in the nation, I am certain that there is a solution aside from a virtual ceremony. Please help my classmates and I spread the word and demand a change! Thank you.