Commencement 2024

Commencement for the Class 2024 will be held on Saturday, May 11th at 10:00 a.m.


Speakers, Marshals, and Honored Guest

Commencement Keynote Speaker
Jim Obergefell, Civil Rights Activist

Jiim Obergefell portrait

Bio

Jim Obergefell was the plaintiff in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage across the country. A self-described “accidental activist” from Ohio, Obergefell found himself and his partner John plunged into legal controversy in 2013. When the couple, who were legally married in Maryland, learned that Obergefell wouldn’t be recognized on the death certificate of John, who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), because of Ohio’s same-sex marriage ban, they decided to challenge the ban in court. Though John didn’t live to see the final decision, the case eventually went to the nation’s highest court, which ruled in favor of marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015. Since then, Obergefell has been involved in numerous efforts on behalf of civil rights for all. With the overturning of the abortion rights case Roe v. Wade, and with ongoing challenges to marriage equality in a number of states, Obergefell continues to sound a warning that the fight for privacy rights is far from over.


Senior Class Speakers
Neha Basu ’24 and Diego Borgsdorf ’24

Presentation of Senior Gift
Anya Ayala ‘24 and Alex Maynard ‘24  

Alumni Greeting
Mark Cunningham ’89, President, Alumni Board

Faculty Marshals
Deepti Goel, Assistant Professor of Economics 
Sharon Snowiss, Professor of Political Studies 

Student Marshals
Barbara Junisbai, Associate Professor of Organizational Studies 
Phil Zuckerman, Professor of Sociology and Secular Studies 

Honored Guest
Nicole Piedra, Associate Director, Career Services


Commencement Week Schedule

Thursday, May 9th
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Senior/Faculty/Staff Party

Friday, May 10th
1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Commencement Rehearsal
Benson Auditorium
** MANDATORY All students participating in the ceremony must attend!

3:30 p.m. ‐ 4:30 p.m.
5‐Colleges Baccalaureate Services

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
President’s Reception for Graduating Seniors, Family, Faculty and Staff
Brant Clock Tower Lawn

Saturday, May 11th
8:30 a.m. Roll Call
Benson Auditorium
** MANDATORY All students participating in the ceremony must attend!

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Commencement Ceremony
Commencement Plaza


Helpful Information

Announcements and Diplomas

Commencement Forms

Commencement Participation Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Hotel Accommodations


Additional Information

For additional information regarding Commencement, please contact:

Office of Student Affairs
[email protected]

For information regarding transcripts, diplomas, references, and questions or concerns related to your graduation status, please contact:
Email Address: [email protected]

For information regarding financial aid
Please contact the Financial Aid Office: [email protected]

For information regarding Alumni engagement, please contact:
[email protected]