Rio Cancels 2020 Graduation Ceremonies

RIO GRANDE, Ohio – The University of Rio Grande & Rio Grande Community College announced the cancellation for the 2020 graduation ceremonies that were to be held on August 29th.

In an email sent to students on July 24th, President Ryan Smith expressed disappointment in the decision and that canceling was an attempt to maintain a safe environment for graduates and their families. Students will have an opportunity to walk next spring during the May 8th graduation.

The 144th Commencement was originally planned for Saturday, May 9, 2020. That event was rescheduled to August due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rio’s Holzer School of Nursing has also decided to cancel pinning ceremonies.

Rio returned to face-to-face classes for the summer session on July 6. The fall semester will proceed in the classroom as well. In addition to providing students with a required facial covering, ultra-violet light filters are being installed in every building, high-point touch cleanings are being done several times of day, and classrooms have been reconfigured for optimal social distancing.