Buffalo State University Class of 2020 Takes the Stage

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo State University’s Class of 2020 finally walked across the university stage to accept their diplomas on Saturday.

Students did not have the opportunity to do so in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Buffalo State Alumni Engagement told News 4 they planned the event after asking alumni if ​​they wanted to come back for a ceremony.

One of the 2020 graduates said it was amazing to be able to celebrate the accomplishment with their family.

“Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, we weren’t able to get recognition, so I feel like it was a need, for those – as I’m not a graduate myself first generation, but there are a lot of them there, and just graduates in general – to get their recognition,” Chad Williams said.

Katelyn Brickhouse, the university’s director of alumni engagement, said the campus thrives on relationships. Saturday’s gathering gave the Class of 2020 an opportunity to connect with Buffalo State again, she said.

“It’s an experience that they really missed, hearing their parents cheering for them, getting that recognition, bringing the campus together around them, to kind of have their moment,” Brickhouse said.

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Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo. You can see more of his work here.

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