One year later: ETSU hosts graduation ceremony for class of 2020 Many graduates saw old friends in-person for the first time in a year. The pandemic forced the end of their college experience to virtual learning. Author: WCYB Updated: 7:49 PM EDT May 8, 2021 JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The pandemic cheated most 2020 graduates out of a traditional commencement ceremony. After a yearlong delay, those recent alums at ETSU got a chance to walk the stage inside the ETSU Mini-Dome. Many graduates saw old friends in-person for the first time in a year. The pandemic forced the end of their college experience to virtual learning.