BGSU lights up the Doyt in support of high school seniors

Incoming freshman class will have a chance to find new opportunities at Bowling Green

Bowling Green State University joined high schools all across Ohio and Michigan in shining a light on the Class of 2020 on April 20.

Due the COVID-19 pandemic, high school seniors have foregone many rites of passage. Spring sports, proms and other activities were canceled. Graduation commencement celebrations have either been called off or postponed. Add that to the fact that students haven’t seen their classmates or teachers in person since mid-March, it has been a lot to bear.

This week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Ohio schools would remain closed through the end of the school year with online learning continuing in the place of classroom instruction to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitney made a similar announcement earlier this month.

As a show of support to the graduating seniors, participating schools lit up their football stadiums the night of April 20 for 20 minutes and 20 seconds.

BGSU joined the high schools to also honor the students by turning on the lights at Doyt Perry Stadium.

“As a parent of two college students who, not too long ago, were able to check off important milestones such as completing their senior year with their friends and participating in graduation, I know the Class of 2020 is missing out on memorable traditions,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “These seniors are playing an important part in slowing the spread COVID-19. We're happy to show our appreciation by turning on the lights at the Doyt."

For students starting college in the fall, especially for those attending BGSU, Rogers said new opportunities are on the horizon.

“We can't wait to welcome a number of these graduating seniors to BGSU,” he said. “The fall semester brings new courses and new opportunities. At BGSU, you can take control of your destiny and take advantage of all the University has to help you succeed and go far and make sure you are prepared to be life-ready.”

BGSU recently was recognized as one of the best universities in the country for teaching quality by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education.

BGSU ranks No. 3 among all public universities in the country, placing it in the top one percent of the more than 800 U.S. colleges and universities analyzed. The study defines quality of teaching by “how well it manages to inform, inspire and challenge students."

BGSU also ranks high for student satisfaction. When asked, “would you choose your college again,” the number of BGSU students answering “yes” places the University as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest.

In response to BGSU moving to online learning, the University waived the $45 application fee for undergraduate and graduate applicants and Admissions has set up virtual admissions information sessions.

Additional support includes indefinitely extending the deadline for the automatic University Freshman Academic Scholarship, ranging from $1,000 to $8,000, and the deadline for the automatic $4,000 BG Success Scholarship for out-of-state students.