
YouTube celebrates graduates in “Dear Class of 2020,” a virtual commencement which premiered on June 6.
The event kicked-off with a star-studded lineup hosted by Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative.
Commencement speeches were delivered from President Obama, BTS, Lady Gaga, former secretary of defense Robert M. Gates, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, and Malala Yousafzai, with a special grad night party featuring BTS and many more.
The festival featured appearances by Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Kerry Washngton, Chloe X Halle, Zendaya, a special guest, and YouTube creators Jackie Aina, ASAPScience, Dude Perfect, Zane Hijazi, Heath Hussar, Mr. Kate, The Try Guys, and more.
With students around the world turning to YouTube to share their disappointment about missed high school and college graduations, YouTube today announced “Dear Class of 2020,” the virtual commencement celebration brought together inspirational leaders, celebrities and creators to celebrate graduates, their families, and their communities. This multi-hour event was shown on YouTube.
“Graduation is a tradition that students and families look forward to and with the current state of the world, YouTube is lending some inspiration in the form of a virtual commencement,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. “We hope bringing together noteworthy, influential speakers along with performances from some of their favorite artists will provide encouragement for the students who have worked so hard to get here.”