2025 Commencement Schedule
Events and dates are subject to change.
Friday, May 9
Lavender Graduation
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 5 p.m.
A special recognition ceremony for graduating LGBTQIA students. Registration deadline is Friday, March 14. Sign up for Lavender Graduation here
Monday, May 12
Last Day of Classes
Tuesday, May 13
Reading Day
Evening examinations begin
Wednesday-Monday, May 14-19
Examinations
Tuesday, May 20
Senior grades due by 1 p.m.
Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection
Under the Oaks, 7:45 p.m. (rain location: Alumni Gym)
The Class of 2025 celebrates the end of final exams and the launch of Commencement Week by gathering for a special ceremony. The program will include reflections from graduating seniors and a distinguished faculty member, multifaith blessings, musical performances and a candle lighting ceremony to conclude the event. Each graduate will receive their oak sapling, symbolic of the transition from student to alum. This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2025.
Wednesday, May 21
First-Generation Stole Ceremony
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center, 1-2:30 p.m.
This ceremony celebrates the path first-generation graduates have charted during their time on campus. The Office of First-Generation Student Support Services will email eligible candidates with updates and instructions.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
McCrary Theatre, 4-6 p.m.
Graduating Bachelor of Science in Nursing students will have their white coats pinned in this ceremony, followed by a reception and faculty meet-and-greet. The Department of Nursing will share invitations with participants.
Senior Celebration
Rhodes Stadium, 6-9 p.m.
An evening of sweet goodbyes for the members of the Class of 2025. The event will include free food, music, games, photo opportunities and an end-of-night fireworks show. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement. This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2025.
Graduate Program Commencement
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 7 p.m.
Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education in Innovation, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Business Administration will receive their hoods and diplomas during a joint graduate program ceremony.
Thursday, May 22
¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
Lakeside Meeting Rooms, 1-3 p.m.
A stole ceremony dedicated to celebrating the efforts and successes of the Latinx/Hispanic graduates. Participants will register with the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education.
School Receptions
Various locations, 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by faculty from the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, School of Communications and School of Health Sciences. An opportunity for candidates and their guests to spend time with faculty and staff from their areas of study.
- Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education: Mooney Lawn (rain location: LaRose Student Commons 200)
- Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences: Lindner patio, facing Lambert Academic Village (rain location: Lindner foyer)
- Martha and Spencer Love School of Business: Chandler Fountain (rain location: Koury Business Center atrium)
- School of Communications: Snow Family Grand Atrium
- School of Health Sciences: Gerald L. Francis Center
Legacy Reception for Graduates and their Alumni Parents, Grandparents and Siblings
McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Reception and pinning ceremony honoring legacy graduates in the Class of 2025 and their families. Legacy graduates have relatives who are Elon alumni. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Donning of the Kente Ceremony
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 6-9 p.m.
Donning of the Kente serves as a cultural ceremony celebrating the achievements of our graduating students who recognize their African roots. Each graduate receives a stole made of kente cloth imported from West Africa. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Friday, May 23
The 135th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
Schar Center (542 N. Williamson Ave.)
- 9 a.m. — Diploma ceremony for Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; and the School of Health Sciences
- 2:30 p.m. — Diploma ceremony for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications
A ticket is required for all guests to the indoor diploma ceremonies in Schar Center. Participating candidates will receive instructions in April to request tickets. See the guest tickets page for details.
Tickets are not required for the alternate viewing location in Global Commons (alternate viewing location). Both ceremonies will be available to livestream on personal devices from any distance at www.elon.edu/live.