Commencement Weekend Schedule of Events

Friday, May 16–Sunday, May 18

Families and guests are welcome at all Commencement weekend events!

Department and Program Receptions
Various times and locations throughout the weekend. View a complete listing.

Friday, May 16

Graduates of Color Celebration, 4:30 p.m.
Wheelock Student Center,  Rasmussen Rotunda
The Division of Student Affairs hosts this event—an opportunity to celebrate the successes and contributions of graduating students, their families, faculty, and staff.

The Graduation Party, 8:30–10:30 p.m.
Wheelock Student Center, Marshall Hall
As you look forward to graduation, the Associated Students of University of Puget Sound and the Division of Student Affairs are planning an extravaganza celebrating "a look backward," featuring entertainment, videos, and films recalling your four years at Puget Sound.

Saturday, May 17

Academic Convocation, 2–3 p.m.
Schneebeck Concert Hall
Aademic Convocation is a celebration of student achievement in the academic life of the university.  The event will feature remarks by selected student and faculty speakers; presentation of university awards, the Writing Excellence Awards and departmental awards; and recognition of initiates into Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, graduate fellowship recipients, and research scholars.

Lavender Graduates Celebration, 4 p.m.
Wheelock Student Center, Rasmussen Rotunda
This celebration recognizes the accomplishments of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, and student allies, and honors those that have supported them.

Sunday, May 18

Senior Brunch, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Wheelock Student Center
Members of the Class of 2008, their families, and faculty are invited to attend the senior brunch.  The first seating will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m., and the second seating from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Tickets for the brunch must be reserved in advance. Tickets for 2008 graduates are complimentary, and ticket prices for family, guests, and faculty are $14.95 for adults and $6.95 for children 12 and under. Payment can be made by phone or in person April 14–May 15. Call 253.879.3262 or stop by the Dining and Conference Services office in Wheelock Student Center 001. Tickets can be picked up in Wheelock 001 after April 15. Lost tickets will not be replaced. Any remaining tickets after May 15 will be sold at the brunch for $15.95.

Interfaith Baccalaureate Service, 10–11 a.m.
Kilworth Memorial Chapel
The university's  baccalaureate service provides students and families from all religious traditions the opportunity to gather and celebrate the achievements of our graduates in a spiritual setting. The service draws on resources from the religious and spiritual traditions represented in the graduating class, and is designed and led by graduates from diverse backgrounds with the support of university Chaplain Dave Wright '96. Students interested in participating in the service or anyone with questions about the program should contact Rev. Wright at 253.879.3818 or dwright@ups.edu.

Graduate and faculty assembly/lineup
Last walk across campus, 1 p.m.
Karlen Quadrangle
In lieu of a Commencement rehearsal, and before the graduate assembly/lineup, all graduates must access the instructions available in May on the Commencement Web site. Please plan to have photographs taken in your cap and gown prior to the 1 p.m. assembly time for the procession.

Commencement Ceremony, 2–4:30 p.m.
(Rain or Shine)
Baker Stadium/Peyton Field - gates open at noon

Alumni Association Reception, 4:30 p.m.
Graduates, families, and friends are invited to a post-Commencement reception hosted by Puget Sound's Alumni Association. Learn how to stay connected with Puget Sound through the Alumni Association; mingle over refreshments and live music with your friends and family, faculty and staff, and fellow alumni;and enter to win prizes!