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Bucknell graduates toss their caps in the air after Commencement

Commencement

Graphic: Bucknell University's 175th Commencement

Bucknell University's 175th Commencement Ceremony, honoring the Class of 2025, will take place Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Tickets are not required for Commencement if held outside Malesardi Quad.

Commencement Week Schedule

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

Monday,
May 5
Senior Sunset (for graduates only), 5–6:15 p.m., Malesardi Quadrangle
Thursday,
May 15
Senior Festival (for graduates only), 5–7 p.m., outside the Kenneth Langone Athletics & Recreation Center
Friday,
May 16

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 17

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. We invite you to write a brief message of blessing or encouragement to your Bucknell graduate. All blessings will be displayed publicly during Commencement Weekend. The deadline to submit your blessing electronically is April 30. There will also be an opportunity to hand-write your blessing while you are on campus during Commencement Weekend.

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 18

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

*Requires purchased ticket


Graduation

Answers to your most common Commencement questions

Commencement 2024 Highlights

Contact Details

Commencement

Contact

Commencement Hotline: 570-577-1192

Hours

Monday - Friday: 09:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
01:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m.