University of Lynchburg Commencement May Be Back On the Dell?
- May 4, 2025
- 3 min read
University of Lynchburg, May 5, 2025
By Lorraine Upton
Commencement 2014 on the Dell of University’s Marshall holding the mace. Photo taken by John McCormick. (First Photo)
Other Photo Captions:
Second Photo: Commencement 2024 on Shellenberger Field. Photo taken by Lorraine Upton.
Third Photo: Commencement 2024 on Shellenberger Field before ceremony. University Marshall carrying mace.
Photo taken by Lorraine Upton.
Fourth Photo: Commencement 2024 on Shellenberger Field of procession. Photo taken by Lorraine Upton.
Fifth Photo: Commencement 2021 on Shellenberger Field under COVID-19 protocols. Photo taken by John
McCormick.
Sixth Photo: Commencement 2021 on Shellenberger Field under COVID-19 protocols. Photo taken by John
McCormick.
Seventh Photo: Commencement 2024 on Shellenberger Field.Photo taken by Lorraine Upton.
Eighth Photo: Commencement 2014 on the Dell looking towards Hopwood Hall. Photo taken by John
McCormick.
Ninth Photo: Commencement 2014 on the Dell looking out from Hopwood Hall. Photo taken by John
McCormick.
Tenth Photo: Commencement 2024 on Shellenberger Field. Photo taken by Lorraine Upton.
Lynchburg, VA - University of Lynchburg’s undergraduate and DMSc/PA commencements have been held on Shellenberger Field for the past five years, but there is consideration of it being moved back to the Dell, its original location.
Because of COVID-19, Lynchburg had to find a way to spread people out. Shellenberger Field was the answer.
Dawn Marfil, assistant director for events of career and engagement opportunities, as well as the coordinator of commencement said, “The turning point for moving commencement from the Dell to the field was COVID. Logistically, it made sense to move everything. And once everyone saw how it made more sense to put it on the field, it was kept on the field.”
Some undergraduates have never seen commencement take place on the Dell like certain graduate students and faculty may have, but everyone appears to want it back. Check out this video to witness students' and faculties' opinions!
Caroline Gerke, the head of photography for marketing communications and athletics, who had her commencement on Shellenberger Field said, “I know that there's a reason for everything and why they made their change, just with set up and making things easier for people but the dell is a very beautiful place. It is always nice to appreciate the beauty there a little bit longer if possible. I think people definitely miss being on the Dell.”
Fortunately, there is good news for anyone who wants commencement back to its original location.
Christy Lucy, the executive assistant for academic and strategic operations, as well as assistant for the commencement coordinator said, “There’s some faculty and students that are interested in the feasibility of moving commencement back to the dell so we are having those conversations and discussing if it is something that may be possible for commencement ‘26 or ‘27.”
There are logistics and funding that must be discussed and figured out before a final decision.
“The field is basically already set up with power and the jumbotron. There is a rented stage for the field and, overall, the field makes it easy to put all these pieces together. Moving to the Dell, things would have to be more customized. Video may or may not be possible, but that was one of the things we were trying to explore,” said Lucy.
For more information about commitment 2025 click this link!
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