Commencement

Bucknell's 176th Commencement Ceremony, honoring the Class of 2026, will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026. 

Tickets are not required if the ceremony is held outdoors on Malesardi Quadrangle.

This page will continue to be updated over the next several months with additional information, so please keep checking back. Registration will open in early January.

Commencement Week Schedule 2026

Schedule is subject to change. Please check back often for updates.

Monday, May 4

Senior Sunset (for graduates only)
5–6:15 p.m.
Malesardi Quadrangle

Thursday, May 14

Senior Festival (for graduates only)
5–7 p.m.
Outside the Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center

Friday, May 15

Senior Survey, Cap and Gown Pickup
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Terrace Room, Elaine Langone Center

Jum'ah Prayer
2:15 p.m.
Muslim Community Space, Room 140, Davis Hall, South Campus Apartments

Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony and Reception
3:30 p.m.
Hislop Family Auditorium and Main Lobby, Holmes Hall

Saturday, May 16

POSSE Ceremony
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Trout Auditorium, Vaughan Literature Building

Senior Survey, Cap and Gown Pickup
10 a.m.–noon
Terrace Room, Elaine Langone Center

College Receptions
1–3 p.m.:

• College of Arts & Sciences, Sojka Lawn (rain location: Sojka Pavilion)
• College of Engineering, Quad between Academic East and Academic West (rain location: Academic East and Academic West)
• Freeman College of Management, Holmes Hall Patio (rain location: Holmes Hall Lobby)
• Each college will have a gathering as an opportunity for faculty, staff, families and graduates to celebrate the Class of 2024. Light refreshments will be served.

Alumni Families Reception (by invitation only)
3–4 p.m.
Great Room, Hildreth-Mirza Hall

Catholic Mass
4 p.m.
Rooke Chapel

Bucknell Community College Scholars Ceremony (by invitation only)
4–6 p.m.
Trout Auditorium, Vaughan Literature Building

Graduates Grill*
5–8 p.m.
Bostwick Marketplace, Elaine Langone Center

Baccalaureate
7 p.m.
Rooke Chapel
Baccalaureate is a multi-faith and multi-cultural celebration for seniors and graduate students and their guests. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Candlelighting
8 p.m.
Malesardi Quadrangle
Seniors will line the perimeter of Malesardi Quad to participate in the Candlelighting Ceremony, a capstone Commencement Weekend event. Parents, family and friends are encouraged to attend and will be seated in the center of Malesardi Quad. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in Gerhard Fieldhouse.

Commencement Celebration
8:30–10:30 p.m.
Sojka Lawn
Graduates and their families are invited to attend the Commencement Celebration immediately following the Candlelighting Ceremony, beginning at approximately 8:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all guests.

Sunday, May 17

Commencement Ceremony
10 a.m.
Malesardi Quadrangle

Farewell Luncheon
12:30–3 p.m.
Bostwick Marketplace, Elaine Langone Center

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
3 p.m.
Rooke Chapel