Commencement

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Commencement, Colgate’s most time-honored tradition, celebrates the achievement of graduating seniors.

Resources for Seniors

Find information about obtaining commencement tickets, cap and gown, Torch Medals, yearbooks, and more.

Seniors
Resources for Parents and Families

Find information about accommodations in Colgate’s area, graduation announcements, photography, and more.

Parents and Families

Upcoming Commencement Dates 

  • May 17, 2020
  • May 16, 2021
  • May 22, 2022
  • May 21, 2023

Questions? Contact Michele Carney, commencement coordinator:
mcarney@colgate.edu
315-228-7425

Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients

U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado ’99 delivered the keynote speech at the 2019 commencement ceremony. Learn more about Delgado and this year’s other honorary degree recipients.

Speakers

Archives

Colgate maintains archives of photos, video, and speech transcripts from commencement ceremonies dating back five years on the website.

Archives

Senior Year Traditions

Senior Torchlight Procession

Dating to 1930, the Torchlight tradition holds that on the eve of commencement, graduating seniors descend the hill from Memorial Chapel to the lower campus, carrying torches, like those on Colgate’s seal, to represent the light of knowledge they have gained at the University.

Torch Medals

This inspiring tradition allows graduating seniors to recognize a member of the community who had a significant influence on them by awarding them a medal. Every senior receives a medal in their campus mailbox to present to someone whom they feel deserves recognition for supporting their Colgate experience.

Baccalaureate Service

This service kicks off the formal festivities of Commencement weekend with addresses from an award-winning classmate and the university’s president. A time for reflection, appreciation, and celebration.