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Commencement: June 13th, 1970 · Keeping Kent Open
Special Collections and Archives
Commencement: June 13th, 1970 · Keeping Kent Open
Commencement: June 13, 1970
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the injunction and the final days of the spring semester, on June 13, 1970, a spring commencement ceremony was held in the Memorial Gymnasium. The decision to have a ceremony was made shortly before the event was to take place and students had little time to prepare. Nonetheless, about 1,250 students attended the graduation with their friends and families and listened to President White's address.
Correspondence
In this letter dated May 18, 1970, to George Urban, Director of Public Events, a student voices their hope for there to be a commencement ceremony because it would be “the most fitting climax to the past four years of hard work,” and “a unique and good way in which to return to a non-violent functioning University.”
By May 25, the date of Mr. Urban’s reply, it had still not been decided whether or not there would be a commencement ceremony. However, he writes, "We anticipate that you will be informed—via the official KSU Bulletin—before the week is ended."
In a letter to students (right) dated May 15, 1970, Student Body president Frank Frisina and Chairman of the Student Government Commencement Committee William Zelazny discuss the establishment of an ad hoc student government commission to explore the possibility of holding a commencement ceremony in June.
Included with the letter was a grade option form that students had 10 days to fill out and return, which would signal their “desire [to] return to the orderly and peaceful functioning of Kent State University.”
The Poll
A poll was sent to prospective graduates from Student Body President Frank Frisina regarding their opinions on holding a graduation ceremony. This poll was received by 1,974 students inquiring if they wanted to have a ceremony and if they would attend a ceremony if it were to be held. A return postcard was enclosed in each letter for their responses. The blue documents (left) reveal the results of the poll, as well as the comments that some students included.
These comments were not all favorable; one student stated that "WE MUST HAVE ONE!!" (underlined, for emphasis), another wrote, "just send my degree," and one felt that "such a ceremony at this time would be a farce." Quite a few expressed that they didn't feel strongly one way or another.
Press Releases
In the press releases above, it is reported on May 26 that the possibility of a Spring Commencement would be discussed at the next Board of Trustees meeting.
On May 28, it was announced that the Board had approved a Spring Commencement Ceremony that would be held in the Memorial Gymnasium.
In the collection of statements above, students express their opinions on having a graduation ceremony. Some say that they're excited to come back to see their friends, and others are hopeful the event would demonstrate that a peaceful reopening of the university could take place.
WKSU Broadcast of the Ceremony
These audio recordings by the WKSU broadcasting station cover the events of the June 13 ceremony. The broadcaster noted that several changes were made to the ceremony; for instance, everyone who attended had to have a ticket, which was strictly enforced. Also, students had the option to make a charitable donation in place of wearing a cap and gown.
In his address, President White acknowledged the events of May 4 but emphasized a hopeful future for Kent State. He also announced that President Nixon had appointed a commission to study the events of May.
