On this site you will find a brief summary of events that led up to the big day. Look for a Commencement recap in the upcoming weeks.

Questions regarding Commencement? Please review our Frequently Asked Questions , or contact the Office of Student Activities at 574-284-4562.

Schedule of Events

• Department Hooding Ceremonies - (times set by departments)

• Honors Convocation - O'Laughlin Auditorium 2:00 p.m.
  Seniors and faculty, dressed in academic regalia, will process by department for the Honors Convocation. Each academic department will plan a ceremony at which seniors receive hoods from their faculty. The Convocation also includes the recognition of College and departmental award recipients.

• Deadline for submitting Commencement ticket order forms to Student Activities Office; 244 Student Center

• Alumnae Senior Luncheon - 12:00 Noon
  Noble Family Dining Hall
  One of Saint Mary's finest traditions, this event heralds the entry of the Class of 2008 into the Alumnae Association. Lunch will be served in the dining hall. There is no charge for seniors, but tickets must be picked up May 5,6,or 7, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., from the Alumnae Office, 109-B Le Mans Hall. Tickets for parents and guests may be purchased. Call 574-284-4578 or e-mail: alumnae@saintmarys.edu for more information.

• Nurses Pinning Ceremony - 1:00 p.m. Church of Our Lady of Loretto.
  Family and friends are invited to share in this ceremony which celebrates the start of professional careers for nursing graduates. Reception to follow in Stapleton Lounge.

• Baccalaureate Liturgy - 4:00 p.m. Angela Athletic Facility.
  Students will line up at 3:35 p.m. with the procession beginning at 3:50 p.m.

• Baccalaureate Dinner and Senior Reception - 6:30 - 9:30 PM - Student Center. One last fling to celebrate graduation! The party will feature a DJ, wonderful food, and a cash bar. Treat your family and guests to dinner and a night of fun. Families will be sure to enjoy seeing and using the new Student Center. Tickets for this event are subsidized to help keep your cost at a minimum. Cost: $5.00 per person.

• Graduation Brunch - Noble Dining Hall, Seating times are: 8:30 - 10:00 and 10:30 - noon - Seniors will be admitted with their IDs. Tickets may be purchased for guests.

COMMENCEMENT 2008 CEREMONY

Court of Le Mans Hall 12:00 noon. Seniors line up at 11:30 a.m. Procession begins at 11:50 a.m. The outdoor ceremony in the Court of Le Mans Hall provides unlimited seating. In the event of rain, however, the ceremony will move to Angela Athletic Facility where tickets will be required since seating will be limited. The decision to hold the ceremony indoors will be made by 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Wheelchair access and handicapped seating will be available. Electrical power will not be provided for those wishing to videotape the ceremony. A reception for graduates, families and guests will immediately follow on the library green. Seniors: Please read these Instructions for Commencement

• Vigil Mass-- 4:30 p.m. - Regina Chapel

• Mass -
  9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Church of Our Lady of Loretto

2008 Commencement DVD

Saint Mary’s College has contracted with a professional company to record the 2008 Commencement ceremonies on DVD so that you can relive the excitement and share the experience with others who were not able to attend. The DVD is available for $35.00 per copy. If you wish to order a 2008 Commencement DVD, please fill out the form and return it to the Saint Mary’s College Office of Special Events. You may pay for the DVD using Visa, Discover, MasterCard or personal check. Please make checks payable to Saint Mary’s College.