At Bowie State University, my classmates and I were part of the unfortunate class directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which deprived us of the opportunity to walk across the stage at our graduation. The global health crisis forced the university to make difficult decisions, and the only option available to us at the time was a virtual ceremony. Many of us felt overlooked in the digital format, yearning for the moment we had worked so hard to achieve.

Graduation is more than a ceremony. It represents years of dedication, academic achievement, and personal growth. It is a monumental occasion that honors not only the graduates but also allows families, friends, and faculty to come together and celebrate our accomplishments. The absence of a physical ceremony left many of us without a sense of closure—something that continues to resonate deeply within our community.

Colleges across the country have found meaningful ways to safely honor graduates with in-person events. We believe it is time for Bowie State to do the same for us. With 2025 marking our five-year anniversary, many of us have received university emails throughout the year regarding plans to honor our class and organize engagement events. We believe this milestone presents a perfect opportunity to formally celebrate the Class of 2020.

With proper planning—such as scheduled time slots, outdoor venues, and appropriate safety protocols—an in-person ceremony is both feasible and responsible.

We respectfully appeal to the university administration to recognize the significance of this moment in our lives. Organizing a belated graduation ceremony would not only fulfill a long-awaited promise but also reaffirm Bowie State’s commitment to acknowledging the achievements of its student body.

Honoring the difficult journey we endured, reflecting on the challenges we overcame, and finally celebrating our accomplishments in person would bring the closure we have long awaited and create lasting memories.

We urge you to sign this petition in support of a long-overdue, in-person graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020. Your support will help us achieve this once-in-a-lifetime experience and ensure our perseverance and success are rightfully honored.

Together, we can make this happen.