Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley offers a special graduation edition message to help the Class of 2025 stay informed and prepare for senior week.
The final countdown to Commencement Week has begun – a time for celebration and reflecting on your journey at Elon. From recognition ceremonies to school receptions, this week is full of meaningful milestones as the Class of 2025 gets ready to cross the stage. All the information is on the Commencement website.
Here are a few important reminders and can’t-miss events for the week ahead:
Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection – Tuesday
Tuesday, May 20, 7:45-8:45 p.m., Under the Oaks (rain location: Alumni Gym)
Gather with your entire class one last time to celebrate the end of final exams and the start of Commencement Week with a special twilight ceremony. The event features senior reflections, multifaith blessings, musical performances, a message from retiring faculty member, Mary Jo Festle, Distinguished University Professor of History, and a candle lighting from two 1975 Elon alumni celebrating 50 years since their graduation. At the conclusion, graduates will receive their symbolic oak saplings.
Stole & Pinning Ceremonies – Wednesday
First Generation Stole Ceremony
Wednesday, May 21, 1-2:30 p.m., McKinnon Hall
Honor the achievements of first-generation graduates! Invitations will be shared with eligible students. Contact firstgen@elon.edu for additional information.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Wednesday, May 21, 4-6 p.m., McCray Theatre
The first cohort of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students will be recognized and pinned at the first Elon pinning ceremony, followed by a reception.
Senior Celebration – Wednesday
Wednesday, May 21, 6:30-9 p.m., Rhodes Stadium
Join fellow graduates for a night filled with fun, food, games, photo ops, a free drink for all Senior Class donors, with fireworks to cap the night! Register with the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Cultural Recognition Events – Thursday
¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
Thursday, May 22, 1-3 p.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms
Join the stole ceremony that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of graduates who celebrate their Latinx heritage. Register with the CREDE to participate.
Legacy Reception
Thursday, May 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m., McKinnon Hall
Legacy graduates who have relatives who are Elon alumni are invited to join the Office of Alumni Engagement to honor their legacy. Register with the Office of Alumni Engagement to attend the pinning ceremony and reception.
Donning of the Kente
Thursday, May 22, 6-9 p.m., Alumni Gym
Participate in the Donning of the Kente! Donning of the Kente is a cultural ceremony to celebrate the achievements of students who celebrate their African roots. Participants must register with the Office of Alumni Engagement.
School Receptions – Thursday
Thursday, May 22, 2:30 p.m., Various locations
Graduates and families are invited to mingle and connect with peers and faculty from your school the day before commencement.
- Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education: Mooney Lawn (rain location: LaRose 200)
- Elon College, the College of Arts & Sciences: Lindner Patio (rain location: Lindner Foyer)
- Martha & Spencer Love School of Business: Chandler Fountain (rain location: Koury Business Center atrium)
- School of Communications: Snow Family Grand Atrium
- School of Health Sciences: Francis Center
And please don’t forget to complete the First Destination Survey sent to you via email. The university collects information about post-graduation plans (job, grad school, post-grad fellowship/internship, etc.), and your response is essential. Whether you know your post-graduation plans or not, we ask that you please complete the survey. You will automatically be entered into a drawing to win one of three $100 Amazon gift cards once you complete the survey.
This is going to be a special week – we look forward to celebrating you!