OSU awards nearly 13,000 degrees in virtual commencement

COLUMBUS – Spring commencement is always a huge event at Ohio State but the 2020 version will be long remembered as one that stood out from those that went before and, likely, those that will come after.

First, the university awarded a record 12,913 degrees and certificates at the ceremony on Sunday.

It was the largest-ever graduating class, which is in itself not unique since it was the sixth consecutive “largest graduating class ever.”

What was truly historic was that the hour-long event was entirely virtual due to shelter-in-place orders and bans on large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

University president Michael Drake presided and the commencement address will be given by Apple CEO Tim Cook, who also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.