STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University will celebrate spring and summer 2020 graduates with in-person commencement ceremonies Aug. 7-9 at Memorial Stadium on the Stephenville campus, provided current public health guidelines remain unchanged.
This marks the first time since 2013 that Tarleton has had an outdoor graduation. Original spring 2020 celebrations, scheduled May 8-9, were postponed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and ensure the safety of the Tarleton family and community.
Tarleton President James Hurley will confer more than 2,100 undergraduate and graduate degrees over the three days.
“All of our students and their families dream of this moment, and they deserve to celebrate their success with all the pomp and circumstance that comes with a traditional Tarleton graduation,” Dr. Hurley said. “Commencement is the culmination of their educational journey, the reward for long hours of hard work and dedication.”
In a letter to students, the president invited May 2020 class members and their families to join him and August graduates, pledging to “do it right” this summer. “I am so proud of our graduating Class of 2020. They overcame unprecedented obstacles and challenges like no other class in the history of Tarleton. This commencement celebration will be incredible in so many ways!”
Ceremonies are set for 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and students and their guests are encouraged to wear cool, casual clothing. Purple caps, rather than traditional black, will distinguish May graduates — another first for the university.
Ceremonies will be live streamed for those unable to attend. Link information will be announced prior to the event.
Dates and times for commencement celebrations:
Friday, Aug. 7
8 a.m.
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
College of Health Sciences and Human Services
8 p.m.
College of Business Administration
Saturday, Aug. 8
8 a.m.
College of Education
8 p.m.
College of Liberal and Fine Arts
College of Science and Technology
Sunday, Aug. 9
8 p.m.
College of Graduate Studies
Tarleton, founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven education marked by academic innovation and a dedication to transform today’s scholars into tomorrow’s leaders. It offers degree programs to more than 13,000 students at Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, RELLIS Academic Alliance in Bryan, and online, emphasizing real-world learning experiences that address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, excellence, leadership and service.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.