Monroe College Confers 2,457 Degrees at 87th Annual Commencement

BRONX, N.Y., June 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Monroe College, a national leader in educating urban and international students, held a special Virtual Commencement today to celebrate the academic achievements of its exceptional Class of 2020. Undergraduate and graduate degrees were conferred on 2,457 students representing 67 countries.

Today's Commencement was originally scheduled to be held at Radio City Music Hall. Although the College had announced it would postpone Commencement until the fall, ongoing uncertainties regarding COVID-19 necessitated the change to a virtual event. Should social distancing requirements relax enough to allow large gatherings this autumn, the College hopes to be able to host smaller, in-person celebrations for today's graduating class.

"Today's Virtual Commencement was an incredible event unlike any other in the College's 87-year history," said Marc Jerome, President of Monroe College. "It had all the great joy, pride, and tears we are used to seeing at Radio City, with a few surprise celebrity guests added to make it truly memorable for our graduates and their families."

Saturday Night Live comedian Kenan Thompson opened the Virtual Commencement and, with his relaxed style and witty banter, made it clear to graduates and their guests that this would be unlike any other college graduation. Other celebrities making an appearance during the event included renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson, former professional baseball player Carlos Peña, as well as popular recording artists Sean Paul, Ne-Yo, and Christina Milian.

Graduates in the Class of 2020 represented 67 countries. In addition to students from the U.S. and its territories, there were sizable contingents from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, China, Dominica, Dominican Republic, India, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia participating in today's event.

The College today conferred 353 Master's degrees; 1,088 Bachelor's degrees; and 975 Associate degrees this year, as well as awarded 41 professional certificates.

The College's three-semester academic calendar enables Monroe students to earn 45 or more college credits per year (compared to the 30 credits college students typically earn per year at other institutions). That means that many of the graduates today earned their Bachelor's degree in three years or their Associate degree in less than two years.

ABOUT MONROE COLLEGE
Founded in 1933, Monroe College is a recognized leader in urban and international education. The College is proud of its innovative programs to increase college access, affordability, and completion outcomes, especially among first-generation students.

Monroe educates close to 7,000 students each year, offering Certificate, Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degree programs from New York campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, as well as in the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia. Students may also pursue degree programs through Monroe Online.

Programs are offered through Schools of Allied Health Professions, Business & Accounting, Criminal Justice, Education, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, and Nursing, as well as through its King Graduate School. Liberal arts and continuing education programs are also available. For more information and admissions criteria, please visit http://www.monroecollege.edu.

SOURCE Monroe College