St. Bonaventure University will hold its 159th Annual Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 19, in Reilly Center Arena. Procession begins promptly at 10:15 a.m., which is when family members and other guests are expected to be seated. Exercises begin at 10:30 a.m. sharp.
A tentative schedule of Commencement Week events appears below. In addition, our Guide for The Graduating Student and FAQ for Families (linked at right) provide additional information to help ensure that Commencement is a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all.
FRIDAY • MAY 17
- UNIVERSITY MINISTRIES RECOGNITION & COMMISSIONING*
5:30 p.m.
University Chapel
Followed by reception at 6:15 p.m.
Recognizes students with significant service in mission and ministries.
- 24th ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT INDUCTION CEREMONY
8:45 p.m.
Steps of Plassmann Hall (Rain site: University Chapel; call made at 4 p.m.)
Graduates, family members and friends are welcome to attend this event that inducts new graduates into the SBU alumni family.
STUDENTS: "Sunday best" dress; report to Reilly Center by 8:30 p.m. to line up for the procession.
- FAMILY SOCIAL
9-10:30 p.m.
Hickey Dining Hall
SATURDAY • MAY 18
- ROTC COMMISSIONING CEREMONY
10-11 a.m.
Rigas Family Theater, Quick Center for the Arts
Reception to follow in Quick Center Atrium.
ROTC cadets commissioned as second-lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
- HONORS & AWARDS CEREMONY AND RECEPTION*
11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Reilly Center Arena
Reception immediately following in Hickey Dining Hall.
- MULTICULTURAL STOLE CEREMONY*
1 p.m.
Rigas Family Theater, Quick Center for the Arts
Light refreshments in Quick Center Atrium immediately following
Celebrating the academic achievements of graduating students of color and historically disenfranchised individuals, while paying tribute to family, friends and others who have helped the graduates achieve this accomplishment.
- BACCALAUREATE MASS
4:30 p.m. (Graduates assemble at 4 p.m. Academic procession begins at 4:20 p.m.)
Reilly Center Arena
Graduates of all faiths and their families are welcome.
SUNDAY • MAY 19
- COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Reilly Center Arena
- 8:30 a.m.: Arena opens to family members and guests
- 9:30 a.m.: Graduates assemble at designated spots (maps posted)
- 10:15 a.m.: Procession begins (all guests at their seats)
- 10:30 a.m.: Commencement exercises begin.
* Attendance by invitation only
Promptness is critical to the success of Commencement Weekend events. Participants and guests are asked to please be courteous to others by showing up for events and activities on time.