Graduation ceremony back at University of Portland's Chiles Center

Posted April 15, 2022

By Graciela Del Rosario

Staff Editor

For the first time in two years, the 2022 senior graduation will proceed with a traditional ceremony on June 9 at the Chiles Center on the campus of the University of Portland.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the variety of mandates, the classes of 2020 and 2021 accepted their diplomas via a unique drive-through ceremony. Cars and other varied vehicles lined the breezeway to await the handing over of student diplomas by then principal John Bier, who offered graduates one final handshake and photo before sending them off. Although it differed from the standard pomp and circumstance most seniors were used to, many staff and students found it enjoyable and tried to make the most out of the situation.

Fast forward to 2022, DDHS has made the final decision to move forward with a collective, in-person ceremony where all students will line the floor of the Chiles Center and accept their diplomas from the school board and principal Greg Carradine. Student speakers, performances by the Band, Orchestra and Choir will join along the festivities. Oregon mask mandates and COVID restrictions have been loosened from a year ago, so Douglas can easily proceed with the formal ceremony.

Although the 20,000 square foot arena is opening its doors for the 2022 graduation, there are still guidelines guests and attendees must follow. As of March 22, masks are optional at any indoor and outdoor event (including graduation), but the University of Portland is requiring proof of vaccination or a 72 hour negative COVID test presented at the door. At home tests will not be accepted. Guests under the age of 12 do not need to abide with these guidelines. Each graduate is limited to four tickets, meaning four guests may be invited to attend, as long as they meet U of P's COVID guidelines.

"I keep asking if things will be more lenient, but they won't give me a definitive answer!" says Activities Director Kelsey Stiff. "They did say things may change by June though."