Tabor College announces that its 2020 commencement will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday Oct. 11 at Joel H. Wiens Stadium at Reimer Field. Because of COVID-19, the event was postponed from this past May.
The commencement address will be delivered by Dr. Stephen Wilkins (g ’77), a long-time professor of philosophy and ethics at Azusa Pacific University. Wilkins has authored, co-authored or edited more than a dozen books, his most recent being “What’s So Funny about God?: A Theological Look at Humor.” He and his wife, Debra, also a Tabor alumnus, live in Monrovia, Calif. They have two adult children, Zoe and Zachary.
Speakers from the Class of 2020 will contribute to the program, as well as the Symphonic Band and Concert Choir performing musical numbers. Over 90 graduates will be present to receive their diplomas.
“We are excited to see these graduates celebrate this significant milestone,” said Scott Franz, registrar. “The College has been preparing for this significant celebration for months and are looking forward to celebrating with them.”
In reflecting on the event’s significance, Executive Vice President of Academics Frank Johnson said, “Our faculty have dedicated themselves to serving students through advanced study in their respective fields and invested in preparing them for current societal issues and workforce needs. We look forward to honoring them on this noteworthy occasion.”
The commencement will be ticketed and seating will be at half capacity to provide social distance. Graduating students may obtain their tickets via www.tabor.edu/tickets using their Tabor log-in credentials until 5 p.m. Oct. 7 (Central Daylight Time). Because of limited seating, the general public is not invited this year.
More detailed information related to the event, COVID-19 precautions, as well as live streaming of the commencement, is available at www.tabor.edu/commencement.
In case of inclement weather, commencement will be held in the Tabor Student Center Gymnasium with overflow seating moving to the Richert Auditorium.
A President’s Party with a packaged gourmet lunch will follow commencement for graduates and their families. Tables and chairs will set up indoors for ticketed graduates and family members to enjoy a celebratory meal together. Tickets are required and can only be reserved through the students’ Tabor login by going to www.tabor.edu/tickets.
In case of inclement weather, the President’s Party will be held in the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.
“After an unprecedented delay, we finally are able to honor the Class of 2020,” President Jules Glanzer said. “These graduates have been through a difficult experience transitioning from college to the workforce. I am so proud of them and how they have dealt with all that has come their way. We welcome them back and look forward to honoring them and what they have accomplished.”