I’d like to formally welcome the Class of 2021 to the WPI alumni family. In maintaining COVID-19 social distancing and capacity guidelines, the university decided against the traditional large-scale commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021 and instead scheduled five individual events over a period of three days. The ceremonies were established by degree programs, departments, and schools, and the two-guest limit allowed graduates to experience smaller, more personal events. By all accounts, the reimagined commencement exercises were a huge success.
Welcome to the WPI Alumni Family
Paula (Fragassi) Delaney ’75
Additionally, I offer an extra special welcome to the Class of 2020, as they too made their final walk across Earle Bridge during their August 2021 commencement ceremonies. As the pandemic forced the May 2020 postponement of commencement for the Class of 2020, graduates experienced their long-awaited commencement ceremony as especially meaningful. Over 660 graduates—including undergraduates, master’s degree, and PhD candidates returned to campus to celebrate the important milestone, and in true WPI fashion, graduates accepted their diplomas with fortitude and grace. Almost 2,000 guests were in attendance to support the graduates, and the university succeeded in providing a festive and celebratory event for all.
On behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, I’d like to offer gratitude to the WPI Division of Student Affairs for hosting six separate commencement ceremonies within three short months. We thank you for taking on this Herculean task and helping to usher our newest members into the WPI Alumni Association.
