No pandemic will keep diplomas from going out as usual to a record 875 Fresno Pacific University May 2020 graduates.
COVID-19 caused the university to combine the planned May 9 commencement ceremony with the annual December graduation, still planned for Valdez Hall at the Fresno Convention Center, 700 M St., in downtown Fresno. But the Registrar’s Office is mailing the diplomas over the summer. In all, there are 424 graduates of bachelor’s degree completion programs, 268 graduates of master’s degree programs (including 32 from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary) and 183 graduates of traditional undergraduate programs.
Peyton Kwalwasser received the award for highest grade point average, Catherine Jalomo received the Harold Haak Academic Achievement Award, named for a former president of FPU and Fresno State. A complete list of academic honors is available at fresno.edu/students/registrars-office/graduation/final-steps/honors-and-awards-spring-2020
Though graduates, faculty and administrators could not share the day face to face, several university leaders made a celebratory video: fresno.edu/students/registrars-office/graduation/final-steps
PHOTO: Working in the Registrar's Office are, from left: Shondra Lemaster, associate registrar; Danielle Jeffress, registrar; and Hannah Becker, events manager.