The NECC Knight delivers a celebration package to a 2020 grad.

The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on just about everything, including the way the college celebrates our graduates.

Last year, the traditional ceremony—typically held in May under a 3,000-person tent on the Haverhill Campus quad—was cancelled and replaced with a virtual ceremony and two celebration package pick-ups.

While everyone tried their best, it was clear that what graduates missed most was the opportunity to walk across the stage in their cap and gown and receive their well-earned associate degree or certificate.

With that in mind, the commencement committee put their heads together and came up with a plan for 2021 that features five small in-person, socially distanced graduation ceremonies organized by academic area.

Each ceremony will be held outside on the Haverhill Campus on Saturday, May 15, starting with the first ceremony at 9 am. A student speaker from each of the areas—STEM, Professional Studies, Health, Liberal Arts, and Business-will be selected by the academic centers to speak and President Lane Glenn will present the diplomas.

2020 Business Grad James Batista with a 2020 yard sign.

Because last year’s ceremony was virtual, 2020 graduates have been invited to participate.

All graduates will be seated 6-feet apart and policies regarding guests will be announced closer to the date, when the guidelines regarding outside events become more clear.

HC Media will be livestreaming all of the ceremonies so family and friends can watch from anywhere. Also the college will be handing out yard signs, which were a big hit last year.

The college has a commencement website that includes the latest information. Please visit that for updates.

If you have questions, reach out to the registrar, registrar@necc.mass.edu.