For the best and latest information about the events associated with Elon's 133rd Commencement exercises, turn to www.elon.edu/commencement.
Members of the Class of 2023, their families and friends can turn to Elon University’s 2023 Commencement website for full information about this year’s graduation ceremonies and the many events that are scheduled throughout Commencement Week.
The website — www.elon.edu/commencement — has been updated throughout the academic year and includes full details about Commencement events, ticketing information, a complete schedule of activities (also listed below), information about yearbooks, caps, gowns, merchandise and photos. Along with offering access to information that has been sent to the undergraduate Class of 2023 and their families, visitors to the site will find news stories, photos and videos related to commencement events as well as #ElonGrad digital swag.
Have questions about the ceremonies? Visit the website’s Commencement FAQs.
2023 Commencement Ceremonies
Undergraduate Commencement
Undergraduate Commencement will be held in two in-person ceremonies on Friday, May 19, in Schar Center at 542 N. Williamson Ave. Each ceremony will last approximately two hours. The ceremonies will feature commencement speaker C. Ashton Newhall ’98, a third-generation venture capitalist and ardent supporter of his alma mater.
- 9 a.m. — Diploma Ceremony for the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
- 2:30 p.m. — Diploma Ceremony for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and School of Communications
A ticket is required for all guests to the indoor diploma ceremonies in Schar Center. Participating candidates received instructions in April to request tickets and tickets were distributed in early May. See the ticket information page for details.
Students who have yet to pick up tickets should email commmencement@elon.edu immediately to make arrangements to pick up their tickets.
Tickets are not required for additional seating in the Great Hall in Global Commons (alternate viewing location). Both ceremonies will be available to livestream on personal devices at www.elon.edu/live.
Graduate Commencement
This year, Elon is hosting a joint graduate program ceremony for multiple programs. The Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education, Master of Arts in Interactive Media, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Business Analytics candidates will receive their diplomas during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 17, at 7 p.m. in Alumni Gymnasium.
No tickets are required for the graduate-level Commencement ceremony in Alumni Gym. For families and friends who are unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be available to livestream on personal devices at www.elon.edu/live.
COMMENCEMENT WEEK SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 16
Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection
Alumni Gym, 7:45 p.m. (Moved indoors due to threat of rain and storms)
The Class of 2023 celebrates the end of final exams and the launch of Commencement Week by gathering for a special ceremony. The program will include reflections from graduating seniors and from Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Jeff Stein, who was recently selected to become the next president at Mary Baldwin University. The evening will include multifaith blessings, musical performances and a candle-lighting ceremony to conclude the event. Each graduate will receive their oak sapling, symbolic of the transition from student to alum in the same location where new students receive the gift of an acorn at the start of their Elon experience. This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2023.
Wednesday, May 17
Senior Celebration
Rhodes Stadium, 6-9 p.m.
An evening of sweet goodbyes for the members of the Class of 2023. The event will include free food, a live DJ, games, photo opportunities and an end-of-night fireworks show. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement. This event is for members of the graduating Class of 2023.
Graduate Program Commencement
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 7 p.m.
The Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education, Master of Arts in Interactive Media, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Business Analytics candidates will receive their diplomas during a joint graduate program ceremony.
Thursday, May 18
U.S. Air Force Commissioning Ceremony
Whitley Auditorium, 10:30 a.m.
Cadets will take their oath of office and be commissioned into the U.S. Air Force. A reception will follow in LaRose Student Commons.
¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
Lakeside Meeting Rooms, 1-3 p.m.
A stole ceremony dedicated to celebrating the efforts and successes of the Latinx/Hispanic graduates. Participants will register with the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education.
U.S. Army Commissioning Ceremony
Whitley Auditorium, 2 p.m.
Cadets will take their oath of office and be commissioned into the U.S. Army. A reception will follow in Steers Pavilion.
School Receptions
Various locations, 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by faculty from the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications. An opportunity for candidates and their guests to spend time with faculty and staff from their areas of study.
- Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education: Mooney lawn (rain location: LaRose Commons 200)
- Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences: Lindner patio, facing Lambert Academic Village (rain location: Lindner foyer)
- Martha and Spencer Love School of Business: Chandler Fountain (rain location: Koury Business Center atrium)
- School of Communications: Snow Family Grand Atrium
Legacy Reception for Graduates and their Alumni Parents, Grandparents and Siblings
McKinnon Hall, inside Moseley Center, 4 p.m.
Reception and pinning ceremony honoring legacy graduates in the Class of 2023 and their families. Legacy graduates have relatives who are Elon alumni. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Donning of the Kente Ceremony
Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 6 p.m.
A rich cultural ceremony involving Kente cloth stoles imported from West Africa and celebrating the achievements of students who recognize their African roots. Participants will register with the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Friday, May 19
The 133rd Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
Schar Center
- 9 a.m. — Diploma Ceremony for the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences
- 2:30 p.m. — Diploma Ceremony for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications
A ticket is required for all guests to the indoor diploma ceremonies in Schar Center. Participating candidates received instructions in April to request tickets and tickets were distributed in early May. See the ticket information page for details.
Tickets are not required for additional seating in the Great Hall in Global Commons (alternate viewing location). Both ceremonies will be available to livestream on personal devices at www.elon.edu/live.