Dear Students, Faculty and Staff Members, 

When I wrote to you last year to share that our Commencement celebration would take place on Mertz Lawn for a second time, I said that we would continue to explore alternative locations for the ceremony in the future. That was in large part because we knew that Mertz Lawn would be inaccessible this year due to the installation of our geoexchange well field, a critical component of the College’s ambitious energy plan, To Zero By Thirty Five. 

We evaluated several potential locations, considering factors such as accessibility, proximity to other campus facilities, and the ability to accommodate our seniors and their families and friends, as well as other students, faculty, and staff members who may wish to attend. After careful consideration, I am pleased to share that this year’s Commencement ceremony will take place on Parrish Lawn in front of Clothier Memorial Hall. This location offers several benefits, including its close proximity to restrooms and indoor viewing locations, an accessible procession route, and a limited amount of shaded seating, all in a beautiful setting framed by Clothier and Parrish Hall.

The Scott Outdoor Amphitheater is and remains a special venue. We are fortunate to have such a magnificent space on campus, and I look forward to it again serving as the venue for Last Collection and Baccalaureate.

Planning for Commencement Weekend is well underway and more details will be shared as they become available. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact commencement@swarthmore.edu.

Sincerely, 

Val Smith
President