The traditional Candlelight Induction Ceremony will be part of Gradunion 2020

St. Bonaventure University

GradUnion 2020


The Class of 2020 will get its long-awaited in-person Commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 18, 2022, as part of a celebration weekend we're calling GradUnion 2020.

St. Bonaventure University's Class of 2020 had their senior year interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were sent home in March of that year, courses continued in a virtual format, and Commencement was a YouTube Live video that graduates watched on their phones or laptops.

But a promise by Dr. Dennis R. DePerro, our beloved late university president, was made to the class at that time: You will get the opportunity to walk across stage in an on-campus graduation ceremony. That day comes on Saturday, June 18, 2022, in a 10:30 a.m. ceremony in Reilly Center Arena. 

It's part of a two-day event aimed at bringing the Class of 2020 back together for the first time since the pandemic, and presenting those proud graduates the opportunity to participate in traditional Commencement-related activities that they missed, such as Baccalaureate Mass and the moving Candlelight Induction Ceremony in which graduates are welcomed into the family of SBU alumni.

It's a graduation event and reunion rolled into one — a GradUnion.


  • Schedule of Events


    FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2022

    11 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Bookstore open for pickup of caps & gowns
    Graduation caps and gowns do not need to be preordered and can be picked up at the SBU Bookstore in Reilly Center. Bachelor’s regalia is $62, master’s $67. You may contact the bookstore at (716) 375-2229 to have your cap and gown shipped to you, but make sure it will arrive in time when you call.

    1-4 p.m.
    Registration for campus accommodations
    Complimentary accommodations in Shay-Loughlen (for students who signed up) will be available for Class of 2020 graduates only. (Watch for an email to pick your roommates for the weekend, if you choose to do so.) All other guests and family members will need to make arrangements for accommodations off campus.

    5 p.m.
    Baccalaureate Mass
    University Chapel, Doyle Hall; graduation gowns not required

    8 p.m.
    Family Social
    Hickey Dining Hall; enjoy desserts and a cash bar

    9:15 p.m.
    Class of 2020 Candlelight Induction Ceremony
    Front steps of De La Roche Hall. (Please note the new 9:15 p.m. start time and move to De La Roche.)

    For the Candlelight program, CLICK HERE.


    SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2022

    9 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Bookstore open

    10:30 a.m.
    160th SBU Commencement
    Reilly Center Arena. The ceremony is expected to take 75 to 90 minutes. Graduates and their guests will have plenty of time to walk around campus and take photos or venture into town for lunch before the next event.
    EVENT TO BE LIVESTREAMED
    .

    3:30-6 p.m.
    Class of 2020 Picnic (Students only)
    On the lawn outside Hickey Dining Hall; picnic foods, three drink tickets, yard games.

    9 p.m.
    Class of 2020 Night Out
    Bus transportation provided to events at the Burton and OP in Allegany; compliments of the Alumni Office.


    SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2022

    1:30 p.m.
    Check-out deadline
    Campus accommodations must be vacated; sign out in Shay-Lo lobby