CLAREMONT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY PLANS IN-PERSON COMMENCEMENT

Claremont School of Theology (CST) announced today it plans to host its first in-person commencement ceremony since 2019 on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. In addition to celebrating with the class of 2022, CST will also invite graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 to join the ceremony.

“This milestone in a student’s academic career must be celebrated with all of the regalia, rituals, language, and embodied motions such a ceremony merits — especially given that so much of the time in their programs has been during COVID,” said CST President, the Rev. Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan. “In addition, this graduating class is 40% students of color, many of whom are the first in their families to attend graduate school. This number demonstrates CST’s long-time commitment to making rigorous and life-transforming theological education available to everyone. Across the United States, that number is closer to 25% students of color.”

Among CST’s many new protocols, graduates will be limited to the number of guests they can invite, and everyone in attendance will be required to show proof of vaccination. Still, in a survey of the upcoming graduates, the overwhelming response was in favor of a live event. 

Assistant Director of Admissions, Ms. Elizabeth Strowbridge, who’s coordinating the event shared, “Although the ceremony will be scaled down to follow COVID safety guidelines, we are so grateful to be able to honor our graduates and celebrate their accomplishments in this way.”

The ceremony will take place on the lawn in front of CST’s Kresge Chapel and will be live-streamed on YouTube.

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Established in 1885, Claremont School of Theology is fully recognized and approved as one of thirteen official theological schools of The United Methodist Church, with close relationships with other Protestant denominations, as well as many interreligious partnerships. CST offers graduate level programs, including Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in religion and practical theology.