While the Penn State Class of 2020 was not able to hold their graduation on campus, they did get some virtual love from celebrities and high profile alumni.
According to the university, a livestream of the ceremony Saturday had 92,000 views from 121 countries. The school awarded more than 15,000 diplomas to students at University Park and the Commonwealth Campuses, and all graduate students in the graduate school.
In a tweet posted after the ceremony, the school shared “Honorary Penn Stater” Joe Jonas’ message, “Hey, Penn State! Just want to say congratulations on graduating. This is a huge milestone. You are going to change the world. Love you guys.”
"Hey, Penn State!"
Honorary Penn Stater @joejonas shares a congrats with the Class of 2020. #WeAre! @psugrad pic.twitter.com/hCMfmR8OmX
— Penn State (@penn_state) May 9, 2020
Other speakers, who were actual alumni, at the commencement included Olympic diver Mary Ellen Clark, “Good Morning America” anchor Lara Spencer, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trace McSorley, who gave a shoutout to his sister, who was graduating.
NASA astronaut Zena Cardman also spoke at the virtual event.
And now, @McSorley_IX welcomes the Class of 2020 to the @PennStateAlumni family (and a very special #PSUgrad shout out). ? pic.twitter.com/Sr15BpXecJ
— Penn State (@penn_state) May 10, 2020
From one #PennState alum to the newest group of alumni, @LaraSpencer shares a special #WeAre to the Class of 2020!#PSUgrad pic.twitter.com/i9N3a9R7NB
— Penn State (@penn_state) May 9, 2020
Congratulations and advice from #PennState alumna Mary Ellen Clark to the Class of 2020.#WeAre#PSUgrad pic.twitter.com/PUfQ18ccci
— Penn State (@penn_state) May 10, 2020
An out-of-this-world congrats from Penn Stater and @NASA astronaut, @zenanaut, to the Class of 2020. #PSUgrad pic.twitter.com/mtYfvI6CtZ
— Penn State (@penn_state) May 10, 2020
The school said it hopes to provide a chance for the graduates to return to campus for in-person celebrations when public health guidelines allow.
Jonas has become a big Penn State booster. Last year, the Jonas Brothers played a surprise show at Champs Downtown where they played some hits and debuted a new song.
And in 2010, Jonas Brothers manager Phil McIntyre and others took Joe out to celebrate his 21st birthday in State College, according to the Daily Collegian.
