Commencement 2016 Schedule
Tentative Weekend Schedule
Some items subject to change
Friday, May 27
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Senior Brunch
Location: Dean Braun's house, 405 Elm Avenue.
2 p.m. Commencement Rehearsal
(required for seniors)
Location: Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
Rain location: Eugene and Theresa Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Some Academic Department Receptions
For seniors and their families.
Various locations: consult with your department.
8 p.m. Last Collection with Candle Lighting Ceremony
Faculty Speaker: Barry Schwartz
Student Speaker: Joe Boninger
Location: Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
What to expect: Last Collection features a talk by a faculty and student chosen by the senior class and a final candle lighting ceremony. It is mostly focused on the class but families and friends are welcome to attend.
Saturday, May 28
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Brunch
Location: Sharples Dining Hall. Guest tickets available for a per person fee at the door, cash or check only.
1:30 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa
Location: Eugene and Theresa Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
What to expect: Initiation of new members of Phi Beta Kappa. All are welcome.
Students learn of their selection on Thursday evening, May 26.
2:45 p.m. Baccalaureate procession forms
Wearing caps and gowns, seniors line up in front of Parrish.
Rain Location: Lang Music Building
3 p.m. Baccalaureate
Speaker: Cindy Halpern
Location: Scott Outdoor Amphitheater; no tickets required.
Rain Location: Eugene and Theresa Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
In case of rain, due to limited space, each senior will have tickets for two guests. Simultaneous translation in at least two languages available. No strollers. Service animals only.
What to expect: Baccalaureate is intended to touch upon the moral and spiritual roots of the educational process and encourage commitment to a more just world. The ceremony includes a speaker, several moments of silence in observance of our Quaker tradition, and an inspirational reading. Baccalaureate is open to everyone.
4 p.m. Reception
Light refreshments.
Location: Parrish Lawn
Rain Location: Eugene and Theresa Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC) Lobby
4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Some Academic Department Receptions
For seniors and their families.
Various locations: consult with your department.
9:15 p.m. Fireworks
Location: Parrish Beach (the lawn in front of Parrish)
Sunday, May 29 - Commencement Day
8 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Senior Breakfast
Location: Sharples Dining Hall.
Guest tickets available for a per person fee at the door, cash or check only.
8:15 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Rose Selection
Location: Dean Bond Rose Garden
A Swarthmore tradition. Arboretum staff assist seniors in selecting roses to wear on their gowns.
8:30 a.m. Scott Outdoor Amphitheater, Eugene and Theresa Lang Performing Arts Center, and Kohlberg Hall Scheuer Room open
Tickets are required for the amphitheater; each graduate is provided four tickets. No tickets are required for LPAC or family-friendly Scheuer Room. Seats fill quickly. No strollers, luggage, or balloons. Service animals only. Simultaneous translations in Spanish and Mandarin available.
These spaces offer an excellent alternative to seating in the amphitheater in the case of overcrowding, inclement weather, excessive heat, for people with special needs. We strongly encourage the use of this air conditioned venue. The simultaneous telecast is in high definition.
9:45 a.m. - Commencement procession forms
Seniors wear caps and gowns.
Location: Line up in pairs in front of Parrish.
10:00 a.m. - Commencement Exercises
Primary Location: Scott Outdoor Amphitheater; tickets required.
Student commencement speaker: Rose Wunrow
Commencement is held in the amphitheater rain or shine. Bring rain gear in case of inclement weather. Sunscreen is recommended. Seating and parking may be pre-arranged for people with special needs. Tickets are required.
Additional seating:
Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC); no tickets required.
A simultaneous high definition telecast of Commencement will be shown in the Lang Performing Arts Center, where additional seating is available and bathrooms are accessible. The Lang Performing Arts Center offers an excellent alternative to seating in the amphitheater in the case of overcrowding, inclement weather, excessive heat, for people with special needs. We strongly encourage the use of this air conditioned venue.
Kohlberg Hall Scheuer Room; no tickets required.
A simultaneous high definition telecast of Commencement will be shown in this family friendly, air-conditioned space.
Honorary Degree Recipients: Leo Braudy ‘63, F. Stuart “Terry” Chapin ‘66, and Carol Padden
1 p.m. Reception
Light refreshments.
Primary Location: Parrish Beach
Rain location: Eugene and Theresa Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
Box lunches available
Location: Sharples Patio
Three lunches are provided to each senior. Limited additional lunches available for a per person fee, cash or check only. Seniors should purchase additional tickets in advance in the dining hall beginning May 1, 2015.
Monday, May 30
8 a.m. Residence halls close
