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Bucknell graduates toss their caps in the air after Commencement

Commencement

Bucknell's 174th Commencement will be held on Malesardi Quadrangle on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Tickets are not required for Commencement if held outside on Malesardi Quad.

Graduation

Registration for Commencement Weekend events is now open

Register now

Commencement Week Schedule

Schedule is subject to change. Please check back often for updates.

Monday,
April 29
Senior Sunset (for graduates only), 6–7:30 p.m., Malesardi Quadrangle
Thursday, May 9Senior Festival(for graduates only), 5–7 p.m., outside the Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center
Friday,
May 10

Cap and Gown Pickup and Senior Survey, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Terrace Room, Elaine Langone Center

Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony and Reception (by invitation only), 3:30 p.m., Forum and Walls Lounge, Elaine Langone Center

Saturday,
May 11

Posse Graduation Ceremony, 9 a.m.–noon, Trout Auditorium, Vaughan Literature Building

College Receptions,1–3 p.m.:

  • College of Arts & Sciences, Sojka Lawn (rain location: Sojka Pavilion)
  • College of Engineering, Quad between Academic East and Academic West (rain location: Academic East and Academic West)
  • Freeman College of Management, Holmes Hall Patio (rain location: Holmes Hall Lobby)

Each college will have a gathering as an opportunity for faculty, staff, families and graduates to celebrate the Class of 2024. Light refreshments will be served.

Alumni Families Reception (by invitation only), 3–4 p.m., Great Room, Hildreth-Mirza Hall

BCCSP Graduation Ceremony, 4–6 p.m., Gallery Theatre, Elaine Langone Center

Graduates Grill*, 5–8 p.m., Bostwick Marketplace

BCCSP Reception, 6–7 p.m., Arches Lounge, Elaine Langone Center

Baccalaureate, 7 p.m., Rooke Chapel
Baccalaureate is a multi-faith and multi-cultural celebration for seniors and graduate students and their guests. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. We invite you to write a brief message of blessing or encouragement to your Bucknell graduate. All blessings will be displayed publicly during Commencement Weekend.

Candlelighting, 8 p.m., Malesardi Quadrangle
Seniors will line the perimeter of Malesardi Quad to participate in the Candlelighting Ceremony, a capstone Commencement Weekend event. Parents, family and friends are encouraged to attend and will be seated in the center of Malesardi Quad. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in Gerhard Fieldhouse.

Commencement Celebration, 8:30–10:30 p.m., Sojka Lawn
Graduates and their families are invited to attend the Commencement Celebration immediately following the Candlelighting Ceremony, beginning at approximately 8:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all guests.

Sunday,
May 12

Commencement Ceremony, 10 a.m., Malesardi Quadrangle

Farewell Luncheon*, 12:30–3 p.m., Bostwick Marketplace, Elaine Langone Center

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, time and location TBD

*Tickets are required and will be available for purchase.

Meet Bucknell's Commencement Speaker

Commencement 2024

Nadia Sasso '11

A creative producer of cultural content and digital storyteller whose work has been recognized by former President Barack Obama, Nadia Sasso '11 will deliver the keynote address at Bucknell University's 174th Commencement on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Graduation

Answers to your most common Commencement questions

Parent and gradutate hugging at Commencement 2023

Honor Your Graduate

Congratulations, Parents!

Celebrate your student's accomplishments by making a gift to Bucknell. You can also choose to honor a professor, coach or campus employee who has made an impact on your student by recognizing them through your giving.

All parents who choose to honor their graduate by making a gift will receive a commemorative Class of 2024 pin to wear at Commencement on May 12.

Parents who give a gift by May 1 will have the option to record a congratulatory video message, which will be shared with their student before Commencement.

Contact Details

Commencement

Contact

Commencement Hotline: 570-577-1192

Hours

Monday - Friday: 09:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
01:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m.