Baylor Celebrates 2020, 2021 Graduates with In-Person Commencement at McLane Stadium

WACO, Texas (May 5, 2021) – Baylor University will celebrate more than 3,600 graduates of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 during six in-person Commencement ceremonies May 6-8 at McLane Stadium on the banks of the Brazos River.

According to documents in The Texas Collection, the last time a Baylor commencement was held outside was on May 27, 1955, in what was then called Baylor Stadium (later renamed Floyd Casey Stadium).

President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., will preside over the outdoor ceremonies, beginning at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 6, for May, August and December 2020 graduates, whose ceremonies last year were canceled or held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring's graduates then will walk the stage during ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8.

"Amidst all the change in our students' lives, one thing hasn’t changed. They are all Baylor Bears. They are united by that shared experience, and they have something to celebrate together," Livingstone said. "It’s a unique time of life, and one worth celebrating to the fullest—even if that celebration is delayed for a year, or even for decades. We look forward to celebrating our graduates' hard work and accomplishments."

Provost Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D., and the deans of Baylor's 12 colleges and schools will present our degree candidates for the recommendation of undergraduate degrees. More than 60 faculty members will serve as marshals and ushers during commencement.

Gates will open 90 minutes before each ceremony. No tickets are required for access to the ceremony, and seating is first come, first served. The stadium's clear bag policy is in effect, and all degree candidates, faculty, family members and guests will walk through metal detectors to enter McLane Stadium.

Face coverings will be required as graduates and guests enter McLane Stadium, when walking in the concourse area and upon exiting the stadium. Guests and graduates may remove their face coverings when seated, given the ceremonies are being held outdoors and social distancing is maintained. Graduates are allowed to briefly remove their face coverings when walking across the stage for photo purposes. The stage party has been vaccinated.

The ceremonies will be livestreamed on the commencement website and on the Baylor University Facebook page.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 19,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.