TAMPA, Fla. — University of Tampa held its commencement ceremony online Saturday morning, celebrating more than 2,000 graduates in the class of 2021. But later in the day, some students put on an alternate, in-person ceremony.

“Our university decided to go virtual, so we decided to take it into our own hands,” said Emma Stange, who helped organize the alternate ceremony.

During the event, 224 students walked across the stage at the Tampa Convention Center in a ceremony created by students, for students.

“I think graduating college is such a milestone for everybody, especially those who are the first one in their family to graduate college,” Stange said.

Demonta Davis' parents were in tears seeing him in his cap and gown.

“I’m pretty excited. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life,” Davis said.

“He's first in the family," dad Nickolas Alexander said. "This is all we asked for, for him to make something out of himself.”

For some, the moment was charged with emotion.

“Being able to see my family there cheering me on and seeing all the people in the crowd (was important)," graduate Amber Koletsos said. "It’s just an energy that you can’t get from watching it online.”

The University of South Florida also was schedule to have its commencement ceremony this weekend, which was open to students and two guests. Nearby Eckerd College will hold its ceremony at the end of the month, which students can attend in person but guests must view virtually.