Dear Graduates,

I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and taking all the necessary precautions recommended by the health authorities to be protected from COVID-19.

As you are aware, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has postponed its traditional commencement ceremony that was originally scheduled for May 9, 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the Class of 2020 will be invited to a special traditional commencement ceremony dedicated to you this December as well.

Despite not being able to have a formal ceremony to commemorate your accomplishments at this time, we still celebrate and honor you now for all of your hard work, diligence, and perseverance throughout the years. Because of your dedication, you overcame unprecedented obstacles and completed your undergraduate experience strong. The race is not given to the swift nor strong but those that endure to the end, and you have endured to the end! Congratulations, Graduates! You made it, and we are so proud of you!!

No matter how near or how far you are, you will ALWAYS be a Golden Lion and the Pride of “Dear Mother!” This is now your time to go forth and make the nation ROAR!!

Sincerely,

Laurence B. Alexander, J.D., Ph.D.
Chancellor