Though COVID-19 kept the Lee University 2020 graduates from attending an in-person ceremony this past weekend, the school still celebrated and recognized its record-setting 761 graduates with videos, gifts, and personalized messages.

“What a wonderful achievement this is for you, and what a wonderful experience it has been for me to share this journey with you,” said Lee Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn in a video message to the graduates on Saturday. This was Conn’s last act as president, a position held by him for the past 34 years.

In addition to the video message from Conn, there were several other videos for the graduates featuring congratulatory messages from the university’s deans, a prayer for the graduates, the scrolling of all 2020 graduates’ names while the bells tolled in their honor, the signing of Commissioning Bibles, and a grad box packing party. Six Commissioning speakers also shared videos of their Lee experience. Speakers included Abby Bertram, Oliver Conn, Alzhire McLeod, Randyl Music, Esther Okenye, and Torry Sheppard.

These videos appeared on all of Lee’s social media channels over the weekend.

Each graduate received a customized box with their regalia, diploma, printed programs of the event, a Bible signed by Conn, and a few other surprises. They will also receive a yellow umbrella from the Alumni Relations office, a recent tradition that has become a favorite memento for hundreds of alumni to honor their achievement and remember this important milestone.

At the weekend’s conclusion, 761 spring and summer graduates were recognized, addressed and celebrated, capping what was a school record for the most degrees conferred in a single school year.

In an earlier announcement to the graduating seniors, Conn invited them to come back as “VIP marchers” in future commencements throughout 2020 and 2021. He also said the Class of 2020 will be invited back to campus for “the mother of all reunion parties,” once it can be done safely.

To view the videos that were posted, visit LeeU YouTube.