This year graduation is Saturday, June 7, 2014. Click here to link to Commencement on our events calendar. 

Spalding University commencement is a time-honored tradition that calls back to the earliest days of the university’s history when Henry Clay presented a diploma to the first graduate of Nazareth Academy, founded and operated by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

Today, university commencement is a celebration where the university president confers degrees to students during a formal procession of each of the university’s schools and programs. Commencement is also a time for Spalding to recognize our community leaders for their extraordinary service and accomplishments through the presentation of medals, awards and honorary degrees.

Customarily, the president also gives the commencement address to the graduating class. This charge is the president’s final message to the graduates, who will go out into the community to carry on the spirit of truth and compassion fostered at Spalding.

Students, please read Commencement Activities 2014 for details on commencement preparation.

Family and friends of Spalding graduates are vital to the Commencement celebration. Please note: All guests, including infants and children, will require a ticket for admission. Seating is available on a first-come first-served basis and a ticket does not guarantee a seat in the sanctuary. Guests arriving after 9:45 a.m. will be seated in the overflow area with video viewing of the ceremony. 

Individual College and School Awards Ceremonies

The Friday before Commencement, each school and program at Spalding University also hosts its own ceremony to individually recognize graduates for their awards and honors. These events are personalized to the individual degree program or school and often feature visiting, faculty or student speakers. Degrees are not conferred at the individual school ceremonies. Friends and family of graduates are welcome to attend a reception immediately following their graduate’s award ceremony.

Click here for a full list of ceremonies on Friday, June 6.