BOISE, Idaho — Boise State's 106th graduation class is different than any other class in the history of the university, as these students were forced to persevere because of the coronavirus pandemic.
BSU had 2,785 graduates earn their degrees, and Boise State recognized their accomplishments in the university's first-ever virtual graduation ceremony.
"Nobody else can say they have ever been part of online graduation," said student speaker Tyler Chapman who earned a degree in information tech management and a degree in games, interactive media and mobile technology. "It might feel a little weird to say it is probably the first time in a while where we get to say we did something unique, and that's all that you can ask for when you graduate from college."
Chapman acknowledges that it was disappointing not to be able to celebrate graduation in the usual way with classmates, friends and family.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic doesn't take away from the degrees these graduates earned, Chapman will move to North Carolina on a government contract where he will help medical researchers collaborate through virtual reality.
During his time at Boise State University Chapman helped develop the Bronco Beam App that connected students with food that otherwise would have been disposed of, he was also able to obtain a life-changing internship at NASA.
"Thank you, Boise State for allowing this small town Idahoan to take one giant leap," said Chapman, who grew up in Hagerman.
Chapman also appreciated the hard work that Boise State University put into making virtual graduation come together.
"Congratulations class of 2020," said Boise State President Dr. Marlene Tromp. "This graduation is like no other in Boise State's history, and you are like no other class."
To watch the graduation video that Boise State put together, click here.
