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Commencement

The University's 170th Commencement ceremony will be held on Malesardi Quadrangle on Sunday, July 19, beginning at 9 a.m.

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Bucknell University has rescheduled Commencement 2020 from the weekend of May 15–17 to the weekend of July 17–19.

We understand the tremendous importance of honoring the achievements of the Class of 2020, and we look forward to celebrating with graduates and their families on this new date.

While we are moving forward with plans to hold Commencement on July 19, we also must acknowledge that the threat of COVID-19 may continue into the summer months. The University will continue to monitor the public health situation and make any adjustments to this new date no later than June 5.

The University will still confer degrees on May 18 to all undergraduate and graduate students eligible to graduate.

As Commencement plans are finalized, updates will be emailed to graduating students and posted on this page. Please check back often, as we will continue to add more information about the weekend’s schedule of events, on-campus housing and meal options, answers to frequently asked questions and much more.

For additional information, please contact commencement@bucknell.edu.

It's important we learn of your postgraduate plans! The Center for Career Advancement has a brief survey that feeds data for you and your classmates into Bucknell's annual Postgraduate Report of Activity. After completing the Postgraduate Survey, graduates will receive honors medallions, senior gift drive items, rain location tickets and their caps and gowns.
If you haven't yet completed your survey, you may do so before picking up your cap and gown on the second floor of Elaine Langone Center at these dates and times:
- July 17, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- July 18, noon to 5 p.m.
Procession directions for the Commencement Ceremony will be provided to graduates when caps and gowns are distributed. Caps and gowns are provided to graduates at no charge and do not need to be returned. Caps and gowns must be picked up by the graduating student only. They cannot be picked up by a designee.
Baccalaureate is a celebration of gratitude for the Class of 2020 featuring student speakers, performance and written word. This multi-faith, multi-cultural service is a time for reflection, celebration and giving thanks. The event is open to all graduates, guests and members of the Bucknell community. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The service will take place in Rooke Chapel from 6 - 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Graduate Blessings
Create a blessing for your graduate, or the Class of 2020. These blessings from families and friends will welcome us to the Baccalaureate Celebration. Tags may be collected following the service.
Create your graduate blessing here

Congratulations, 2020 Parents!
Honor your graduate and their accomplishments by making a gift to Bucknell. You can choose to make a gift in honor of someone who has made an impact on your student at Bucknell. This may be a professor, a coach, a campus employee or a fellow student.
Make a gift to honor your grad
2020 Commencement Speaker
Carolyn Speer Miles '83, P'14, the president and chief executive officer of Save the Children and a passionate advocate for children in need, will be Bucknell University's 2020 Commencement speaker.
Read more