Commencement

May 10-11, 2025
Quicklinks: Schedule | Lodging | Livestream | Program (PDF) | Speaker | Local Weather | News & Features | Squires | Logistics and General Information

Schedule at a Glance

Saturday, May 10^

• Daisy Chain, 11 a.m.
• MACSL Ceremony, noon
• Phi Beta Kappa, 1:30 p.m.
• MAT and MEd Ceremony, 2:30 p.m.
• Intercultural Baccalaureate, 3 p.m.
• Garden Party, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 11^

• Commencement Ceremony, 9 a.m.

View Full Weekend Schedule – all events, details, information, weather contingencies

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News, Features, Photos, and More

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• Randolph holding Commencement ceremony on May 11
• Geoffrey Kershner, Academy CEO, to give Commencement address
• Society of Physics Students recognized with Outstanding Chapter Award
• Randolph celebrates mid-year graduates
• Jordyn Shumpert '25 attends philosophy workshop at the University of Michigan
• Randolph begins 2024-25 academic year with Convocation
• PHOTOS: Convocation 2024
• Jenna McDermott '25 reflects on summer work as a game warden
• Quianday Worthington ’25 studying behavioral ecology as part of NSF-funded research experience
• Summer research examining how satellite constellations affect astronomy
• Randolph professor, student exploring culturally relevant teaching strategies
• Summer research project looking at how sound influences perceptual decision making
• Bringing the past to life: Professor, students team up to create an oral history of the College
• Randolph professor, students continue tick research this summer
• Transfer student Sonia Langhorne ’25 embraces life at Randolph
• Gianna Cabrera-Castillo ’25 interns with Virginia congressman
• Jordyn Shumpert '25 reflects on Lyric Opera of Chicago summer internship
• First day of classes: 2021

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The Squires Tradition

It is tradition for each senior to select a graduation squire who will march with the senior and sit directly behind them during Commencement. At the designated moment during the ceremony, the squire will ceremoniously place the Randolph College baccalaureate hood around the senior’s collar.

Although most seniors choose fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, grandparents, alumnae relatives, or siblings to act as their squire, some choose a friend, professor, mentor, or other non-relative with whom they want to share this very special occasion.

2025 Schedule of Events

Download Printable Schedule

Friday, April 25, 2025

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• 4:30 p.m.–6 p.m. Senior Cocktail Reception Randolph House
  Graduates only. Photo ID required for alcohol. First shuttle to depart Main Hall at 4:25 p.m.; additional parking next door at First Christian Church. Dress: Cocktail attire/Jacket and tie.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

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• 10:45 a.m. Seniors Meet for Daisy Chain Moore Hall Stairs
  (Rain Site: Smith Memorial Building, Smith Hall Theatre)
• 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Daisy Chain Moore Hall Stairs (Rain Site: Smith Memorial Building, Smith Hall Theatre)
• noon MACSL Graduate Recognition Ceremony Smith Memorial Building, Alice Ashley Jack Room
• 1:30 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa Initiation Ceremony Smith Memorial Building, Alice Ashley Jack Room
  Ceremony for initiates and their guests.
• 2:30 p.m. MAT and MEd Awards Ceremony Wimberly Recital Hall
• 3 p.m. Intercultural Baccalaureate Houston Memorial Chapel
• 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Garden Party Student Center and Michels Plaza
  Celebration for Master’s degree students, undergraduates, families, and guests with the College President, administration, and faculty. Dress: Cocktail attire.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

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• 6:30–8 a.m. Breakfast Cheatham Dining Hall
  A continental style breakfast will be available for purchase; no reservations required.
• 7:45–8:45 a.m. Commencement Rehearsal Tennis Courts (Rain Site: Smith Memorial Building, Smith Banquet Hall)
  Participation is mandatory for graduates and squires. Graduates should come dressed and ready for Commencement. Cap, gown, hood, and button stole should be readily available. Please eat breakfast before rehearsal, as you will not have time afterward.
• 8:45 a.m. Commencement Procession Forms Graduates line-up on the Tennis Courts
  (Rain Site: Smith Memorial Building, Smith Banquet Hall)
• 8:50 a.m. Commencement Procession Begins
• 9 a.m. Commencement WildCat Stadium (Rain Site: Smith Memorial Building, Smith Hall Theatre)
  Livestream | Digital Program (PDF – available Friday evening)
• 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Commencement Brunch Cheatham Dining Hall
  A buffet brunch is available for purchase; no reservations required. The College will provide brunch free of charge for all graduates.
• 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Hood Return Main Hall Lobby
  Undergraduate hood return will be in Main Hall Lobby. Hoods are available for purchase for $35.00.
• 6 p.m. Residence Halls Close for the summer (No exceptions)