Author: Sam Buisman

Governor Tony Evers congratulates the Class of 2020 in a video message for their perseverance in the face of COVID-19.

In a minute-long video message posted to the Governor's YouTube page, Governor Evers celebrated the achievements of this year's college graduates while acknowledging the difficulties and disappointments of finishing school during the coronavirus pandemic. 

“I know this year was a challenge. Many of you tackled your last few months of school from home, missing critical time with your friends, classmates, teammates, and teachers,” said the Governor in his address. “And while this semester is ending on a very different note than any of us could have predicted, that does not change the exceptionalism of this accomplishment.”

As the spread of COVID-19 has forced all Wisconsin colleges, including the UW-Madison, to suspend or postpone their in-person commencement ceremonies, many prominent politicians and celebrities have taken to the internet to congratulate the Class of 2020.

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders have delivered similar virtual congratulations to 2020 graduates.