University holds commencement ceremonies in stadium this weekend!

State Sen. Bobby Singleton is the featured speaker for the Fall Commencement exercises.

Staff Report
November 19, 2020

Alabama State University will host its fall and spring commencement ceremonies in the ASU Stadium for the first time.

A total of five separate ceremonies will be held over the weekend of Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 22 for fall graduates and for the spring graduates and Golden Class members who were not able to have a ceremony in the spring due to the pandemic.

“Because of COVID-19, we wanted to take extra precautions to make sure that our students and their guests, as well as the University faculty and staff, are safe as we celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments,” said Dr. Carl Pettis, the University’s Provost and chair of the Commencement Committee. “Having several smaller ceremonies instead of one large ceremony and relocating to the stadium allows us to have the spacing that we need to accommodate those who will attend the events.”

Pettis said the Commencement Committee has worked with the University’s facilities and events operations staff for several months to develop a plan focused on providing a safe environment for the ceremonies. Other precautions include placing a limit of five guests per graduate.

View the Ceremonies Online

“This is the first time that the University has limited the number of guests that graduates may invite; however, family members, friends and the general public will be able to view each ceremony online,” Pettis added.

To view the Commencement ceremonies, visit www.facebook.com/asu.

Commencement Speaker

State Senator Bobby Singleton, a celebrated alumnus of Alabama State University, will give the commencement address.

The address will be delivered virtually on the stadium’s scoreboard screen.

Singleton is a veteran lawmaker who is serving his fourth term in the Alabama State Senate. Singleton began his legislative career in the House of Representatives where he served for one term. In 2005, he was elected to the Senate, filling the unexpired term of former senator, Charles Steele.

During his tenure, Singleton has emerged as a leader in the legislature, currently serving as Senate Minority Leader. He also is the past Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus.

Senator Singleton is recognized as a champion of the people of his district, particularly in terms of equal access to educational opportunities and economic growth. Senator Singleton holds a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Alabama State University and a Juris Doctorate from Miles College. He works as a consultant.

Commencement Schedule: Nov. 20-22

Commencement Convocations for 2020 Fall Candidates for graduation:

Friday, November 20, 2020

1:45 p.m. Ceremony

University College

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Saturday, November 21, 2020

8:45 a.m. Ceremony

College of Visual and Performing Arts

College of Education

Saturday, November 21, 2020

1:45 p.m. Ceremony