Commencement Weekend

CLASS OF 2023
COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND
MAY 19 - 20, 2023

 

Commencement 2023 is approaching quickly, and we look forward to celebrating with graduates and their families. Here are some important events—there are some crucial action items for your student.

 

Commencement Fair - Tuesday, March 7; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mabee Hall in Wright Campus Center

The event allows seniors to accomplish several Commencement tasks, including placing orders for graduation announcements, an Austin College ring, and cap and gown. A photographer will be on hand to take cap and gown photos and simple résumé photos. There will be paperwork to complete from various campus offices all in one place. Graduation announcements and ring options are also available at Jostens.com.

 

Rain Ticket Pick Up - April 25-27; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Outside the Pouch Club in Wright Campus Center

Each student will receive four rain tickets for the alternate site of Sid Richardson Center in Mason Complex in case of severe weather. Only once in many years have we had to enact our rain plan (and limit guests), but we must prepare. Please note, these tickets will NOT be re-issued if lost or destroyed, and no tickets will be available on Commencement morning. Students who are not on campus this spring should contact alumni@austincollege.edu. Video access to the ceremony is provided in several campus locations for guests without tickets.

 

Baccalaureate, Friday May 19, 7 p.m. 

Clifford J. Grum Sanctuary, Wynne Chapel

(Seniors in caps and gowns begin lining up at 6:40 p.m., Windsor Mall)

 

Baccalaureate Speaker: 

The Rev. Dr. Robyn Byrd Michalove
Associate Pastor for Mission
First Presbyterian Church
Fort Worth, Texas

 

 

Senior Celebration, Friday May 19, 8 - 10 p.m.

Wright Campus Center, Mabee Hall 

Party for Seniors, Families, and Guests immediately following Baccalaureate, hosted by Student Affairs staff and Senior Committee.

 

 

Commencement Exercises, Saturday May 20, 8:30 a.m.

Clyde L. Hall Graduation Court (north of Caruth Administration Building)

Seniors with caps, gowns, and hoods begin lining up at 7 a.m. in front of Abell Library. Simulcast viewing is available in the Pouch Club of Wright Campus Center for guests who prefer indoor accommodations.

NOTE: Diplomas will not be included in the covers received during the ceremony. Mid-year and May graduates may pick up their diplomas immediately after Commencement ends and for one hour following on the porch of Wynne Chapel. Only graduates, with photo IDs, may receive the diplomas. Those not picked up will be mailed to the address listed on the Graduation Application. Diplomas for summer graduates will be mailed in August.

 

Commencement Speaker:
President Steven P. O'Day, J.D., L.H.D.

16th President of Austin College

President O’Day describes his career in higher education as “being driven by a deeply held belief that we are called upon to personally educate and support the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—in the classroom and lab, on the athletic field, on the stage, in the studio, in the workplace, in the residence hall, throughout the global community, and in every facet of the student experience. This belief is grounded in a blending of the liberal arts and specialized training necessary for lives of significance, leadership, service, and integrity.”

 

 

Senior Speaker: 

Selected by their classmates, announcing soon.

 

Honorary Degree Recipient:

Announcing soon

 

 

 

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