NORTHAMPTON — Smith College on Wednesday announced that its 2020 commencement and reunion are canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Kathleen McCartney sent a letter to the community announcing that, given recent orders from state and federal officials to avoid large gatherings, it would not make sense to hold the events in May.
Gov. Charlie Baker has called for an end to gatherings of 25 or more people, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that events with more than 50 people be canceled for the next eight weeks,
“Given that Commencement and Reunion were scheduled soon after, it is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to cancel these events,” McCartney wrote.
Less than a month ago the college had announced that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would be the speaker at the May 17 commencement.
But McCartney said it is imperative that Smith do everything to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
“I know that this is a great disappointment to many, especially our seniors and their families. And I recognize that many members of our community will need to cancel travel arrangements,” McCartney wrote. “Yet I am confident that most, if not all, of you will agree that this is a prudent decision that protects the best interests of our community and the communities beyond the Grécourt Gates.”
McCartney said the college would find a way to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2020.
Smith is also exploring ways to reschedule reunions, which had been set to run from May 21 to 24, but will provide refunds for those already registered.
