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Commencement

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We are excited to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 during commencement weekend, May 16–18, 2025.

Planning the Weekend

Most commencement weekend details are sent out during the spring semester. Meanwhile, here are some planning tips for graduating students and families.

Main Events

Most families choose to arrive on campus on the Friday of commencement weekend.

Friday

  • Evening: Commencement Dinner

Saturday

  • 3:30 p.m.: Baccalaureate Service
  • 8:30 p.m.: Torchlight Procession (graduates line up at 7:45)

Sunday    

  • 10:30 a.m.: Commencement Ceremony
  • 5:00 p.m.: On-Campus Housing Closes to all Seniors and Guests

Ceremony Tickets

Graduates are responsible for reserving guest tickets, in case inclement weather forces the ceremony indoors, where seating will be limited. 

Ceremony Livestream

We livestream the ceremony for those who are unable to attend in person.

Class of 2024 Commencement

51·çÁ÷’s 203rd commencement was held May 19, 2024. The keynote address was delivered by Bill Browder, founder and CEO of Hermitage Capital Management, head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, and author of Red Notice.

Visit the archives for the Class of 2024 ceremony live stream, photos, and more.

View archives

Students in a line waiting for diplomas

Future Dates 

  • May 18, 2025
  • May 17, 2026
  • May 16, 2027

Archives

51·çÁ÷ maintains archives of photos, video, and speech transcripts from commencement ceremonies dating back five years on the website.

Archives

Questions?

Please include your full name, email address, and phone number as well as your specific questions.

Graduates are responsible for completing their commencement checklist items themselves; family members and other guests should coordinate with their student to re-submit any changes to the Graduate and Guest Information Form that may become necessary. 

General Commencement Info

University Events: commencement@colgate.edu; 315-228-4444

Caps & Gowns, Professional Ceremony Photography

Michele Carney: mcarney@colgate.edu, 315-228-7425