Post University to Host In-Person Commencement Ceremonies on July 24

Post University graduates include 72-year-old Southington resident, six Waterbury Police Department officers and five Common Ground High School students 

WATERBURY, CT (June 29, 2021) – When Post University announced it would remain virtual for the 2020-2021 academic year, the institution canceled all in-person events, including commencement. On Saturday, July 24 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Post University will once again host an in-person commencement at the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Waterbury.

A year after completing their degrees, the Class of 2020 will be invited to return and celebrate their achievements alongside the Class of 2021. More than 1,000 undergraduate and post-secondary graduates are expected to attend the ceremonies.

Times and details for each ceremony can be found on the 2021 Commencement Ceremony website.

“Hosting graduation is something we’ve been looking forward to for the past year,” said Post University CEO and President John L. Hopkins. “Having the opportunity to announce an in-person commencement ceremony is another sign that life is slowly returning to normal, and we look forward to honoring our graduates next month.”

The first in-person ceremony since COVID, graduation will combine Post University traditions with the pomp and circumstance of commencement. Graduates will begin the event with a ceremonial promenade from the Post Downtown office at 140 Bank St. to the Palace Theatre as cheering Post associates, faculty, and Waterbury residents line the streets. MVSN-TV Executive Board Member Peter Friedman will deliver the keynote address.

There are many notable graduates among those celebrating, including:

• Valedictorians Amanda Cherniske and Kat Takita – A Bethel, CT native, Cherniske will receive her Bachelor of Science in Child Studies and represent online graduates. Takita, originally from Burrillville, Rhode Island, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and represent on-campus.
• For the first time, students from the American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University will join the ceremony.
• Five High School Academy students from Highville Change Academy in New Haven will earn their degrees:
  •  2020 graduates
    • Gabrielle Bynum, Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
    • Zaporia Satterfield, Associate of Science in Business Management
  • 2021
    • Secora Chambers, Associate of Science in Business Management
    • Jordan Wilson, Associate of Science in Business Management
    • Kayla Philpotts, Associate of Science in Business Management

• Six Waterbury Police Department officers will graduate with a Master of Public Administration.

• Kathleen More, one of the oldest Post University graduates, will be conferred two degrees. At 72-years-old, the Southington, CT resident will walk across the stage to accept her associate degree in Early Childhood Education from 2020 and her bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from 2021.

Due to Connecticut Health Department and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for indoor events, each graduate will be allowed two guests. The ceremonies will be broadcast online for those unable to attend.

The historic Palace Theater is located at 100 E Main Street in Waterbury, CT. To learn more about the commencement ceremony, please contact Joan Huwiler at [email protected] or visit post.edu/graduation