Duquesne to hold virtual law school commencement for 132 graduates

It may not be the type of ceremony April Barton envisioned for her first year as dean, but the Duquesne University School of Law will hold its first-ever virtual commencement ceremony on Friday.

Covid-19 restrictions forced Duquesne to make its 106th law school commencement an online affair but all indications are the school intends to make the best of it.

Duquesne President Ken Gormley, former dean of the law school, will confer degrees on 132 graduates. Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge Elliot Howsie, a 1988 graduate of the school, will deliver the commencement address.

“This commencement will be a day of great celebration amidst a backdrop of challenge and uncertainty,” said Barton, who will also speak during the event.

“Throughout this most difficult time, our new graduates have persevered – they’ve completed every course, overcome every hurdle and crossed the finish line. Accomplishing this great goal, now more than ever, took great courage. I’m proud of them on reaching this important milestone.”

Graduate Tyler Bartholomew, who will speak on behalf of the class of 2020, said the virtual graduation was an interesting situation.

“While it’s disappointing that I won’t get to walk with my friends and fellow graduates, it will be nice to be able to spend it with my family,” said Bartholomew, a Quakertown native. “Graduation is an important time for families and experiencing it together is a silver lining. It’s also encouraging to see the way that the world has come together to celebrate all of the class of 2020 graduates.”

Graduates and their families will be able to watch the virtual ceremony at duq.edu/lawcommencement.