Inside homes across the country and around the world, friends and family of more than 5,400 graduates celebrated a historic virtual commencement for the University of Iowa class of 2020.

“We are recognizing your college graduation this year in a very unique way. But our pride in your accomplishments remains as strong and bright as any Iowa commencement,” said UI President Bruce Harreld. “As always, we stand together as Hawkeyes today with strength, purpose, and pride.”

Each virtual commencement ceremony included a video message from Harreld and a small number of university officials in traditional commencement regalia.

As a heartwarming tribute, friends, parents, and loved ones submitted personal video messages to congratulate their Hawkeye graduates, which were shown at the end of each college’s ceremony. Graduates took to social media with photos in their caps and gowns from their homes, congregating under #UIOWAGrad20.