Wayne State University holds first-ever virtual commencement ceremony

Wayne State University held its first-ever virtual graduation ceremony on Wednesday to honor its spring 2020 graduates under the social distancing guidelines of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The virtual ceremony consists of digital commencements for each school or college available online for graduates, family and friends to help mark the occasion. 

According to the university, there are still plans to hold an in-person ceremony once restrictions are rolled back for public gatherings.

President M. Roy Wilson opens up each of the ceremonies by stating, "I know this isn't what you hoped for as you worked towards this day, I didn't expect it either but I guarantee we will remember this for the rest of our lives." 

Wilson is then joined by messages from the provost and Board of Governors. The ceremonies conclude with speeches from each respective dean, their chosen student speakers and, of course, the conferring of degrees. 

The university presented three posthumous degrees to students Darrin Adams, Bri’Jon Moore and Dwayne Carrero-Berry. 

More:Michigan universities follow suit in postponing spring commencement

Wayne State isn't the only university revamping its commencement ceremony. The University of Michigan has also scheduled a digital ceremony for its graduates on Saturday.

Although students are not together, the university encourages graduates to celebrate the day online by using #MyWSUstory to post photos and memories of their journey at Wayne State. 

The 2020 celebration website states: "We encourage all graduates to make this celebration their own, whether you want to watch the videos by yourself or coordinate your viewing with family and friends. "