Spring Commencement
![A Kent State graduate student is covered in confetti during the university’s Advanced Degree Commencement Ceremony.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/Kent-State-Commencement-Spring-2021-144-Homepage-Image.jpg?VersionId=B46kdI2aOGhoDVsZPFQllUx7pqPcQlfl&h=68abf924&itok=mCLjLurX)
Students wearing graduation caps and gowns will once again grace the campus as Kent State University celebrates its newest graduates and marks the return of in-person commencement ceremonies for the first time since December 2019.
![A graduating Kent State University student smiles in her cap and gown at Risman Plaza in spring 2020.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/03.18.21%20Photo%20of%20a%20Kent%20State%20graduate%20at%20Risman%20Plaza%20-%20spring%202020_0.jpg?VersionId=.VVha0XnGXnpYMkksQs1_mz9J1dHACc9&h=56d0ca2e&itok=sqZoaTcQ)
Kent State University will hold in-person commencement ceremonies in May for the Spring Class of 2021 and will welcome back all 2020 alumni for an in-person graduation ceremony during Homecoming Weekend this fall.
![A new Kent State University graduate smiles after receiving her diploma.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/05.07.20%20Photo%20of%20Kent%20State%20graduate%20with%20diploma_0.jpg?VersionId=iLOlCsILIbVWY5mqZuYWwvPzPWZqIFvk&h=10d202d3&itok=SoP0Sl0v)
The Kent State University alumni family will grow by nearly 5,300 new graduates as the university holds its spring commencement.
![Kent State Commencement Photo](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/04.14.20%20Photo%20from%20Kent%20State%20Commencement_0.jpg?VersionId=hZozeqhEo3ML0rDID_6G0wi_Jfm6iZas&h=5b6cb510&itok=T3na_j5u)
Kent State University today announced that it will recognize the accomplishments of its Spring Class of 2020 with a virtual commencement recognition ceremony taking place on the originally scheduled commencement date.
![New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is congratulated by fellow Kent State graduates at the One University Commencement held at Dix Stadium.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/kent-graduation-0145.jpg?VersionId=f7V05Qwu.aQjOrw4c_IQNBCePDJsiPC2&h=1e3c3cce&itok=KJiRmVkY)
A helmet and pads were replaced by a cap and gown for New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman as he finished a journey he started in 2005, joining 5,300 new Kent State graduates at the One University Commencement held at Dix Stadium.
![Kent State's newest graduates celebrate during the One University Commencement held at Dix Stadium.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/BOB_4273-web.jpg?VersionId=dXn6xNscDr0NDX.F95Y88l0sD4zYIhsT&h=4f8d1171&itok=-9bEExUR)
The Kent State University alumni family grew by 5,300 new graduates as the university held its spring commencement ceremonies.
![A Kent State University graduate, who is serving as a gonfalon bearer, waits to enter Dix Stadium for the university’s 2018 One University Commencement. A Kent State University graduate, who is serving as a gonfalon bearer, waits to enter Dix Stadium for the university’s 2018 One University Commencement.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/05.07.19%20Photo%20from%20Kent%20State%27s%202018%20One%20University%20Commencement.jpg?VersionId=lQ760cNd0TkFsbG7jCR3sgKvzUhnR726&h=2d5be824&itok=JxsanNml)
The Kent State University alumni family will grow by 5,300 new graduates as the university holds its spring commencement ceremonies.
![After two Category 5 hurricanes hit her home, Debra Thomas graduates with the help of the Kent State University College of Nursing Student Emergency Fund.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/Nurse-May2018.jpg?VersionId=d0VDLAfCwMgRmlwbVI9Nk85KBwxQK6NU&h=403207e6&itok=itpP9Q30)
Debra Thomas wanted to be a nurse to help people, but she was the one who ended up in need after two hurricanes hit her home in the Caribbean.