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Graduating during COVID-19: International Business School class of 2020

Chris Wind Watch

After three (or more) years of blood, sweat and tears, graduating from university is normally a huge cause for celebration. But what if a virus paralyses the whole planet and parties, ceremonies, and any other kind of gatherings are banned?

Hanze-student Octavian Badea interviewed two students, Alexandra Codreanu and Duy Doan, from the International Business School of Hanze UAS, who graduated in July 2020. What happened with them between March, the first month of lockdown in The Netherlands, and July? How did they deal with the disappointment of not having a proper ceremony? How did they feel the day of graduation? Were they happy with the alternative celebration that their school organised?

He also talked to teacher/manager Mark Fraser, who was one of the organisers of the alternative graduation ceremony, about the process of organizing the drive-thru ceremony, which allowed the students to receive their diploma in their car.