When Virtual is as Real as it Gets

I admit my expectations were low. Maybe it was a defense mechanism: a way to shield myself from disappointment as we close a year characterized by loss. Perhaps it was simply exhaustion at the end of a grueling semester. No doubt it was skepticism about the ability of “virtual” experiences to approximate the power of in-person interactions. For many reasons—including my own stubborn belief in the supremacy of face-to-face experiences—I was prepared to be underwhelmed by the virtual graduation ceremonies that took the place of MSUM’s traditional December commencement.

To my surprise and delight, the ceremonies provided every bit of the emotion and impact of our traditional in-person event. In many ways, the virtual ceremonies were more powerful, and more real, because they were much more personal. Smaller ceremonies allowed us to highlight the unique contributions of each academic college at MSUM. Faculty advisors read the names of “their” graduates. And each graduate was highlighted individually for a moment of focused recognition and celebration.

It was these glimpses of our graduates at home (and, in some cases, at work)—surrounded by friends and loved ones, some sharing the moment with their children (or pets), all beaming with a sense of pride and accomplishment—that really moved me. They provided a vivid portrait of our students’ whole selves, in all their richness and complexity, and a personal touch that is often missing in larger, more traditional ceremonies (where the focus is less on each individual graduate and more on the ceremony itself). I know I’m not alone in pondering how we can retain these elements of personal recognition and celebration when we return, someday, to in-person ceremonies.

If you’re skeptical, or just curious, you can see for yourself: The recorded ceremonies are viewable on the graduation webpage.

Dr. Anne Blackhurst served as Minnesota State University Moorhead’s 11th president from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2023.