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Sage Kiernan-Sherrow<\/strong> |\u00a0 News Editor<\/span><\/p>\n Though Oregon has entered Phase One of Governor Brown\u2019s plan to reopen the state, Western\u2019s plans for a virtual graduation ceremony haven\u2019t changed. On June 13, at 10 a.m., Western will host a virtual commencement for the class of 2020. Graduates will have the chance to watch with their loved ones as their name, degree, personalized quote, and graduation photo is displayed. An email sent out by President Rex Fuller on May 5 also invites the class of 2020 to walk with the class of 2021 next year, if possible for the individual.<\/span><\/p>\n Virtual Black and Lavender Graduations will also still be in effect. Black graduation will take place on Friday, June 12 at 3 p.m and be hosted on the platform Marching Order. Black Graduation mimics Western\u2019s overall commencement format, but honors Western\u2019s black students specifically and also includes a special keynote presentation and the singing of the Black National Anthem, where students also receive a kente cloth and a certificate for participation. Conversely, Lavender graduation, a ceremony created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish lesbian who was barred from attending her children\u2019s graduation because of her sexual identity, according to the Human Rights Campaign, will take place on Thursday, June 11, at 6 p.m. over the Zoom platform. Lavender Graduation celebrates individuals of the LGBTQ+ student body at Western and will include live guest speakers chosen by each graduate, and student\u2019s display of their rainbow cords and tassels. Both of these events are private and only available for participation by those who registered for the event prior.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In his May 5 email, President Fuller acknowledged that \u201c<\/span>a virtual ceremony is not how you envisioned celebrating your accomplishment and we want to help make this as special as possible, so we are offering additional opportunities for celebrating your achievement. These plans are, of course, contingent on the advice of health experts.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the meantime, however, graduating students are attempting to make the best of the situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ASL\/English Interpreting Major and senior, Keelie Carlson, is planning to \u201ccelebrate by watching the ceremony with their parents, sisters, and grandparents.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Likewise, senior chemistry major D-Dre Wright, will be \u201cinviting some of their close friends and family over to watch the ceremony at the lovely hour of 7 a.m., since they\u2019re in Hawai\u2019i.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The class of 2020 is graduating under the duress of unprecedented times, but they\u2019re leaving behind a legacy at Western that will help them progress in their chosen futures.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n