East Central University conferred bachelor’s and master’s degrees for its spring and summer 2021 graduates at a rare outdoor commencement ceremony on May 8.

The traditional, indoor ceremony held in the Kerr Activities Center was moved across the street to Koi Ishto Stadium in order to accommodate not only the 555 graduates for 2021, but also any interested 2020 graduates who were unable to experience an in-person commencement because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Among area students receiving their Spring 2021 Master’s Degrees was Heather Swan of Allen.

Area students receiving Spring 2021 Bachelor’s Degrees were Amber Goodson, BrooklynShy Leonard of Allen; and Lindsay Carter of Calvin. East Central University plans to confer 356 bachelor’s degrees to candidates for its Spring 2020 graduation.

The traditional spring commencement ceremony for the 2020 graduates had cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic but ECU had 356 bachelor’s degrees to candidates and 97 master’s degree candidates for its Spring 2020 graduation.

Receiving his Masters was Delbert Harden of Calvin.

Bachelor’s Degrees were earned in 2020 by Dylan Batungbacal, Quaid Johnson, Patrick Leonard, Kennedy Prentice, and Lynzi Taylor of Allen; and Sherry Merriman of Atwood.

ECU’s Fall 2020 graduates were also recognized including Ashlan Anderson of Calvin

Receiving 2020 Fall Bachelor’s Degrees were Drew Back and Taelor Diener of Allen.