With Ohio State's commencement moving online, the university has been active in attempting to make the virtual ceremony as genuine as possible.
In addition to adding Tim Cook as a keynote speaker, Ohio State reached out to Ryan Day and Chris Holtmann for some more words of encouragement for the class of 2020. These videos, along with a number of others featuring the university's deans and students, will be aired as a part of the commencement's pre-ceremony programming.
The hour-long ceremony will include President Michael Drake and Ohio State officials in traditional commencement regalia at Ohio Stadium, musical performances, special guests, and the commencement address.
“While we will not be able to link arms in Ohio Stadium right now, we will recognize your achievements virtually with your families and friends as we confer your degrees," Drake said in an address to students on April 3.
Nearly 13,000 students will be graduating on Sunday, making it the largest class in the university's history. It is the sixth straight year that the number of class graduates has increased.
"You have fought through adversity to reach the finish line," Chris Holtmann said. "I know you'll pursue the rest of your life with that same perseverance and grit."
Ohio State's pre-ceremony programming will begin at 11:30 AM on Sunday, with commencement starting at noon.
