While the focal point of Commencement 2025 is the main ceremony on Thursday evening, there are many activities earlier in the week. Chief among these is the Baccalaureate Ceremony on Wednesday, May 14.

Baccalaureate is a non-denominational, inter-faith celebration open to all students and their guests and is a wonderful opportunity to bless our graduates as they proceed with the next stage of their lives. The highlight of the ceremony is a keynote address from our specially selected Baccalaureate speaker, founder and CEO of Thrive Global and co-founder of HuffPost, Arianna Huffington, as well as the participation of numerous university dignitaries and the religious directors who work with our student groups. The service itself will feature music and will conclude with a benediction over the graduating students. Please note, tickets are required to attend this event; regalia for students at this ceremony is optional.