Princeton University reunions and postponed commencement ceremony for 2020 graduates won’t be held on campus this spring

Princeton University’s reunions weekend will be held virtually again for the second year in a row and a postponed in-person commencement ceremony for 2020 graduates will also not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic, university officials announced on Monday.

Plans are being worked out with 2020 graduates to find other ways to honor their achievements, officials said in a statement.

Princeton University officials have not made a decision regarding commencement and other related activities for 2021 graduates. All undergraduates were invited back to the campus for the spring semester, which starts this week.

University officials determined that inviting alumni back to campus from around the world would not be prudent or possible. Reunions will be held as a virtual event in May.

“For the past several months, we have monitored scientific developments and public health guidance, eager for news that might allow us to gather in person safely on Reunions weekend this spring. We pushed the decision into the new year with the fervent hope that the global health landscape would improve to where we needed it to be, and though progress has come, it has come too slowly,” reads a statement from the Princeton University Alumni Association.

Virtual reunions will be held as a virtual event May 20-23. 

“Princetonians deeply value the tradition of gathering for reunions to renew our shared connections and reaffirm the university’s importance in our lives. In collaboration with the Alumni Council Committee on Reunions and other alumni leaders, we are currently exploring how we will celebrate our community online this May,” reads the alumni association statement. “Even from all corners of the globe, we remain united and resilient as Tigers. Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to living Princeton’s ‘in service’ ethos in your communities during this challenging time.”