Late July graduation for Linfield

Linfield College’s Class of 2020 will receive diplomas the weekend of July 25-26, providing stay-at-home orders have been lifted.

The college announced last week it would postpone commencement ceremonies, usually held over Memorial Day weekend, because of social distancing required in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

After surveying faculty members and graduating seniors, it chose July 25-26 as the new date. The specific time has not yet been announced.

President Miles Davis said last week the ceremony probably would be held in Memorial Stadium on the McMinnville campus, rather than the usual location in front of Melrose Hall.

The college campus is now closed, although about 50 students remain in dorms because they were unable to travel home. All students are taking classes via computers and other remote learning tools.

Although seniors are finishing the year off-campus, Davis said the college wants to hold a commencement ceremony to honor their accomplishments over the last four years.

“Everyone deserves their moment in the sun,” he said previously.

Linfield usually hosts the International Pinot Noir Celebration, which attracts wine lovers from all over the world, on the final weekend of July. The 34th annual event has been postponed a year, until July 23-25, 2021.