GW will host a virtual Commencement celebration on the University Facebook page, according to an email sent to the GW community Thursday.

University President Thomas LeBlanc said in the email that the virtual ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 17 at 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Officials still plan to host an in-person Commencement with the Class of 2020 on the National Mall in 2021, the email states.

“Despite these challenging times, I am pleased we will be able to confer your degree and welcome you into our worldwide network of alumni who share your passion for changing the world and making a difference in people’s lives,” LeBlanc said in the email.

Officials canceled Commencement in March amid concerns over COVID-19 and rescheduled the ceremony for May 2021 on the National Mall.

The announcement to postpone Commencement came after more than 6,500 people signed a petition calling on officials to reschedule the ceremony.