Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff –  

While I’m confident that this first day of fully-online classes brought with it some unforeseen challenges, I hope it also was a day of re-connecting with friends and colleagues, and a day to look ahead. 

We know this is new territory for us as members of this community, and of the world community. And being in a community can mean making difficult decisions.  
Earlier today at the President’s Council meeting, we made the decision that the traditional Commencement ceremony, scheduled to be held Sunday, May 17, 2020, will not be held. Commencement Liturgy, scheduled for the same weekend, also will not be held. 

I’m sure this raises questions and concerns; please allow me to address some immediate issues. 

First, we are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the enormous accomplishment of earning a college degree – at every level. We are in the information-gathering stage as of this afternoon. Please watch for updates on that topic soon. 

Some of you have already ordered commencement attire (cap & gown). If you have ordered commencement attire, you will be contacted shortly with instructions for options available to you. 

This Spring has brought many disappointments to you. Some of you have not had the pleasure and challenge of competing with your athletic teams.    Completing clinicals and internships now has a different face.   Being with your classmates, especially for seniors or other graduates, now becomes a virtual reality.  And yet, while the learning modality has changed, the high level of quality instruction remains.  Our faculty members remain dedicated to deliver on our promise to our students.   

We close with this quote, appropriate for our time, because this is what we do best at Edgewood College: 

“Building communities that practice understanding, loving-kindness, and compassion may be the most important thing we can do for the survival of our world.”  Thich Nhat Hanh 

Circumstances are changing rapidly, and it can feel difficult to keep up. Students – you received an email from Heather Harbach, Vice President for Student Development, this morning. Please review it and reach out; while we are separated in body, we remain a community that cares for each and every member. 

Please continue to check your email for updated information. Those updates are archived at www.edgewood.edu/covid-19 for reference.  

Thank you for all you do to make this a true community of learners. 

Mary Ellen Gevelinger, O.P., Ed.D., Interim President 
Margaret Noreuil, Ph.D., RN, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Dean