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Dear Graduating Students of 2020, 

This spring is a time that I know you and your families have been looking forward to for many years.  For some, you will be earning your undergraduate degrees; for others, this will mark the culmination of your graduate and professional degrees.  For all of you, though, I am very sorry that the response to COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented disruption in this special time of achievement in your lives, as well as added anxiety to an already emotion-filled time.  

One of my greatest disappointments of this entire global crisis is that your final months at Western have been so greatly altered, and multiple opportunities to celebrate your crowning achievements, are being impacted. 

Nothing can take the place of walking across the stage to accept your diploma in front of proud family members and joyous friends, but our Commencement committee is hard at work on a virtual ceremony that will be both festive and uniquely Western.  We have scheduled your virtual Commencement for Saturday, June 13.  More details will be forthcoming soon on those arrangements.  And, of course, each of you and your loved ones are invited to come back for one of Western’s future in-person Commencement ceremonies. 

In the meantime, I encourage you to remain focused on a strong finish to your studies and an equally strong launch into the next chapter of your lives.   

To that end, the  and the  have partnered to launch , a free networking site that connects Western students with Viking alumni in the workforce who can provide professional and personal support as you prepare to start or accelerate your careers.  After launching just about a week ago, we already have more than 650 alumni across a wide range of professions and organizations signed up and ready to help you.   

Beginning today, Western seniors can join WE Connect. Once you are logged in, you can create peer connections, join groups and discussions, seek guidance, and schedule informational interviews with alumni.  The platform is fully integrated with Zoom for video conferencing as well.  If you are a senior or a ²ÝÁñÉçÇø graduate and are ready to explore WE Connect, please join at . 

In addition, Western’s , including the Career Services Center, are open and providing a full range of services remotely during spring quarter.  Please visit their websites, or contact them by phone or email, to make appointments for virtual meetings and counseling sessions. 

It is my greatest wish that you remain connected with your Western advisers, friends and classmates, and I hope that WE Connect provides a new way for you to meet fellow alumni who can help you prepare to enter a challenging new economic landscape.  I am confident that your Western Washington University education and the relationships you made, the learning you achieved and the experiences you had during your time here—including this final quarter—will serve you well in the years to come.  

With great respect and admiration, 

Sabah Randhawa 
President