Boldly Going To an Online UCLA Graduation

According to an official announcement, the online commencement speaker for the College this spring will be George Takei of Star Trek fame. He will boldly go to a type of UCLA graduation ceremony of a type to which no commencement speaker has ever spoken before:

The UCLA College will host a virtual celebration for spring centennial graduates on Friday, June 12, at 3 p.m. PDT, featuring an address from actor, social justice activist, bestselling author and social media star George Takei.

“George Takei is an example to all Bruins of the power of perseverance despite adversity. He has shown without a doubt that by following one’s dreams it is possible to make an enormous impact for the betterment of all,” said Patricia Turner, senior dean of the UCLA College and vice provost for undergraduate education. “I know our students and their guests will be inspired as we virtually celebrate this tenacious class of students.”

The virtual celebration is the launch of the class of 2020’s recognition for their accomplishments, which will culminate with an in-person event during the 2020–21 academic year, when it is again safe to gather. The College has worked with graduating students to craft the virtual event, which will celebrate the end of the academic year and the conferral of degrees for this year’s centennial class. The program will include remarks by UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, Takei, a class of 2020 student speaker and others.

“I’m deeply honored to help launch this celebration of my fellow Bruins,” Takei said. “It feels so right to be with this group of extraordinary young people for UCLA’s very first virtual celebration because I too spent a good part of my career boldly going where no one had gone before!”...

Full announcement at https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-college-to-host-virtual-celebration-for-graduates