OXFORD, MISS. (05/04/2020)-- The University of Mississippi will celebrate more than 5,400 candidates for graduation in the Class of 2020 during a live, virtual celebratory event on May 9, 2020. The following local students are candidates for graduation:
Lauren Alexandra Rogers, of Louisville, MS, is a candidate for a Juris Doctor degree. Rogers is a Juris Doctor Law major in the School of Law.
Allayna Leigh Lovorn, of Louisville, MS, is a candidate for a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Lovorn is a Management major in the School of Business Administration.
Michael Alex Hodges, of Louisville, MS, is a candidate for a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Hodges is a Criminal Justice major in the School of Applied Sciences.
Carley Jae Puckett, of Louisville, MS, is a candidate for a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree. Puckett is a Pharmaceutical Sciences major in the School of Pharmacy.
"While we aren't able to gather in the Grove and at other beautiful venues on our campus right now for traditional pomp and circumstance, we could not let our originally scheduled Commencement day pass without recognizing the incredible achievements, character and spirit of this class of graduates," said Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce.
UM leaders continue to evaluate plans to hold an in-person Commencement ceremony at a later date.
"The university remains committed to doing all it can to honor our graduates in person when it is safe for us to come together as a university community," Boyce said.
The virtual event will begin at noon CDT and can be viewed at olemiss.edu.
As part of the virtual celebration, students - including December 2019 graduates, and May and August 2020 candidates for graduation - received an official cap and tassel from the university, along with other celebratory items.
The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is the state's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. With more than 23,000 students, Ole Miss is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. Its 16 academic divisions include a major medical school, nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law and pharmacy, and an Honors College acclaimed for a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning and opportunities for community action.