LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University, along with many other colleges and universities, is postponing its in-person commencement exercises this spring.

EOU will honor spring graduates with a virtual recognition ceremony on June 13, the same date the in-person ceremony was scheduled to take place on campus. The recognition event will recreate EOU’s typical in-person ceremony as closely as possible, with speeches and conferring of degrees via video.

“Graduation is a very special time and a meaningful milestone in our students’ education and we want to celebrate that accomplishment,” said VP for University Advancement Tim Seydel.

“Given that we cannot hold major public events, we are finding alternatives for now, and looking forward to a time when our graduates can join faculty, staff and families in person.”

EOU is working on plans for a possible in-person ceremony this fall. Graduates will also have the option to walk in the June 2021 commencement ceremony.