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Bucknell graduates toss their caps in the air after Commencement

Commencement

Graphic: Bucknell University's 175th Commencement

Bucknell University's 175th Commencement Ceremony, honoring the Class of 2025, will take place Sunday, May 18, 2025.

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

Graduation

Registration for Commencement Weekend events is now open

Register now
Jessica Livingston smiles in front of a fireplace

Meet Bucknell's 2025 Commencement Speaker

Bucknell's 175th Commencement

Jessica Livingston '93 — a trailblazing entrepreneur, investor and co-founder of Silicon Valley's premier startup incubator, Y Combinator — will deliver the keynote address at Bucknell University's 175th Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Black and white photo of Commencement

175 Years of Commencement

Looking Back

From its modest start with just seven graduates to today's grand celebration of nearly 900, Commencement is the University's most anticipated event of the year. As we mark the 175th edition of this tradition and celebrate the Class of 2025, take a look back at the milestones that shaped this event — each a testament to Bucknell’s growth and enduring legacy.

Commencement Week Schedule

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

Monday, May 5

Senior Sunset (for graduates only), 5–6:15 p.m., Malesardi Quadrangle
 

Thursday, May 15

Senior Festival (for graduates only), 5–7 p.m., outside the Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center

Friday, May 16

Senior Giving Drive (SGD), 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Elaine Langone Center, Second Floor Lobby

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

Jum'ah Prayer2:15 p.m., Muslim Community Space, Room 140, Davis Hall, South Campus Apartments

Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony and Reception, 3:30 p.m., Hislop Family Auditorium and Main Lobby, Holmes Hall
 

Saturday, May 17

Senior Giving Drive (SGD), 10 a.m.–noon
Elaine Langone Center, Second Floor Lobby

POSSE Ceremony, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Trout Auditorium, Vaughan Literature Building

Senior Survey, Cap and Gown Pickup, 10 a.m.–noon, Terrace Room, Elaine Langone Center

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 2025. Light refreshments will be served.


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

Catholic Mass, 4 p.m., Rooke Chapel

Bucknell Community College Scholars Ceremony (by invitation only), 4–6 p.m., Trout Auditorium, Vaughan Literature Building

Graduates Grill*, 5–8 p.m., Bostwick Social House, Elaine Langone Center

Baccalaureate7 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. The deadline to submit your blessing electronically is April 30. There will also be an opportunity to hand-write your blessing while you are on campus 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 18

Commencement Ceremony, 10 a.m., Malesardi Quadrangle

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

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony3 p.m., Rooke Chapel

*Requires purchased ticket


 

Graduation

Answers to your most common Commencement questions

Commencement, family

Honor Your Graduate

Congratulations, Parents!

We invite you to participate in a Bucknell tradition by making a gift to Bucknell in honor of your senior's upcoming graduation. Your collective gifts support today’s students and future generations of Bucknellians, helping them grow into broadly educated leaders ready for success.

Graduation

Commencement printables

A collage of the Class of 2025 printables

Show off your Bucknell spirit

Congratulations Class of 2025!

Commencement 2025 Printables are here! Add some orange and blue to your event! Print out your very own Class of 2025 Commencement yard signs, pennants, buffet signs, drink wrappers and food toppers!

Commencement 2024 Highlights

Contact Details

Commencement

Contact

Commencement Hotline: 570-577-1192

Hours

Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.