The University of Mississippi will celebrate more than 5,400 candidates for graduation in the Class of 2020 during a live, virtual celebratory event May 9. The following local students are candidates for graduation:

• Ashley Nicole Theresa Irons, of Russellville, will earn her Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics degree.
• Anna Kaitlyn Pounders, of Red Bay, will earn her Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

“While we aren’t able to gather in the Grove and at other beautiful venues on our campus right now for traditional pomp and circumstance, we could not let our originally scheduled commencement day pass without recognizing the incredible achievements, character and spirit of this class of graduates,” said Chancellor Glenn F. Boyce.

UM leaders continue to evaluate plans to hold an in-person commencement ceremony at a later date.

“The university remains committed to doing all it can to honor our graduates in person when it is safe for us to come together as a university community,” Boyce said.

The virtual event will begin at noon and can be viewed at olemiss.edu.

As part of the virtual celebration, students – including December 2019 graduates and May and August 2020 candidates for graduation – received an official cap and tassel from the university, along with other celebratory items.