The Grove is usually full of graduates the second Saturday in May, but this year will be different.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The University of Mississippi’s traditional Commencement ceremony was postponed and a unique virtual event is taking its place.

A live, virtual celebration of the Class of 2020 for graduates, family and friends will be held at noon on Saturday. The event will be livestreamed and feature remarks from Ole Miss Chancellor Glenn Boyce, Provost Noel Wilkin, Ole Miss graduates and other guests.

Boyce and other speakers will give their speeches on the Grove amphitheater stage, and the event will be broadcast to graduates at btsvirtualevents.com/olemissgrad20.

Senior class president Cole Blue will address fellow graduates, and 2019 Homecoming King Carl Tart will lead the ceremonial turn of the tassel. Matt Lusco, president of the Ole Miss Alumni Association, will provide remarks and share a special announcement, while Ole Miss Hall of Fame inductee Leah Davis will conclude the celebration by singing the University’s alma mater.

“The university wanted to make sure that this day of traditional pomp and circumstance did not pass without recognizing the incredible achievements, character and spirit of our class of graduates,” Boyce said. “While we remain committed to hosting an in-person ceremony when it is safe for us to do so, the May 9 event is intended to mark this day as one of significance and celebration in the lives of our students.”

December 2019, May and August 2020 candidates for graduation were sent an official cap and tassel, along with other celebratory items. All graduates are encouraged to use the official cap and tassel to participate in the virtual tassel turn.

The University of Mississippi Law School will host its own virtual ceremony for graduates at 1:30 p.m. “A Virtual Toast” will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Zoom.