Photo: UVa

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic may have delayed the in-person graduating ceremonies at the University of Virginia, but that didn’t stop some seniors from getting pictures taken on campus Saturday, when the events were originally scheduled to begin.

Among those who visited the campus were Madeleine Wallach and two of her fellow classmates, who wore their caps and gowns when they stopped by the school’s famous Lawn. Wallach, of Middleburgh, said they wanted to get their photos taken quickly because campus police were discouraging people from hanging out in that area.

Instead of in-person ceremonies, the university in Charlottesville hosted a virtual ceremony Saturday that included remarks by school President Jim Ryan and appearances by singer Dave Matthews and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. More than 7,000 students received degrees this year.

The university expects to host in-person events on the Lawn either this fall or next spring, depending on pandemic’s progression.