TAMPA, Fla. — It's a big weekend for University of South Florida graduates.

They'll be able to get their diplomas in person this year.

The school hasn't had any in person graduation ceremonies since December 2019.

USF is holding the ceremonies at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg to accommodate all the students and their two guests and maintain social distancing.

Graduate Dariana Granados said she had really given up hope that she would have a real graduation ceremony, but now, she's beyond excited.

“Our senior year has not been easy and we had to adjust in a way that we never thought we had to, so I'm just so proud of everyone,” Granados said.

Granados should also be very proud of herself.

She came to the U.S. from Colombia when she was 13, and she's the first person in her family to attend college in America.

She transferred to USF from Hillsborough Community College in the summer of 2019.

Dariana Granados is graduating from USF with a degree in accounting. (Dariana Granados)

Despite her many activities and roles on campus, her senior year didn't look at all the way she envisioned it, but her graduation ceremony will.

Ceremonies will be held today through Sunday. In total, 7000 students will walk the stage to accept their degrees.

Granados said while this day is important to her, it's just as important to her family, and them being there in person is the perfect ending to this chapter of her life.

“Seeing that the graduates from 2020 weren't able to get that real ceremony, I think we were all thinking it's not going to happen (for us),” she said. “But then when we got the announcement I couldn't believe it. I'm super excited.

“Graduation is a big milestone in our lives and we're going to be able to hear our names called and feel that sense of pride and accomplishment.”

USF plans to honor its 2020 graduates as well. The school plans on holding in person ceremonies for them as well at a date to be determined.

USF President Steven Currall said activity on all campuses will return to pre-coronavirus levels by June 28.

According to Spectrum Bay News 9 partner newspaper the Tampa Bay Times, full in-person participation in athletic and social activities, including fan participation in stadiums and arenas also will return in June.