BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Morgan State University is honoring 2020 and 2021 graduates in three outdoor commencement ceremonies signaling the return of in-person graduation at the HBCU.
Morgan is hosting its 144th Spring Commencement at W.A.C. Hughes Memorial Stadium on the university’s campus beginning on Friday, May 14, and will conclude on Saturday, May 15.
Nearly 2,500 students are expected to walk across the stage.
Friday morning, the university's president, Dr. David Wilson tweeted pictures of chairs spaced out in the stadium with the caption, "This is what three graduation ceremonies in the age of COVID will look like at the National Treasure, Morgan State University".
2020 undergraduates were honored during the first ceremony at 9:30 a.m Friday.
Friday afternoon at 2:30, another ceremony will be held to acknowledge 2020 and 2021 graduates receiving a master’s or doctoral degree.
On Saturday, Morgan wil recognize 2021 undergraduates beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Dr. Michael V. Drake, M.D., president of the University of California and widely-accomplished higher education leader will provide the keynote before the assembly of graduates and guests.
Dr. Drake will also receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
A second honorary degree will be conferred during the ceremony, as legendary jazz musician and virtuoso, Lonnie Liston Smith (MSU Class of 1961) will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.