A long-awaited occasion, college graduation brings with it excitement and anticipation. This year’s Commencement Weekend to be held May 22nd-24th at Chapman University will celebrate the many accomplishments of the school’s graduates.

 

“Commencement is an exciting and joyful end of our academic year,” says Dr. Jerry Price, Dean of Students and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. “Students are so excited to see all of their hard work pay off when they walk across the stage and get their diploma -- and it makes it that much sweeter that they are surrounded by their family and friends as they do so.”

 

While graduates look forward to the next chapter in their lives, it’s also a “bittersweet moment,” says Price. “Students say goodbye to professors and classmates who have been their family for the past four years. Emotions run high all the way around – including for faculty and staff. At Chapman we truly get to know our students personally. We’re proud to see them graduate but also know we are going to miss them dearly when they’re gone.”

This year’s commencement weekend starts on Thursday, May 22nd at 7 pm with the Senior Convocation & President’s Toast to the Class of 2014. This all-school academic ceremony honors the achievements of the graduating class. Attendance is optional and free, but tickets are required.

 

On Friday, May 23rd at 4 pm, there will be a Baccalaureate Interfaith Worship Service in Wallace All Faiths Chapel, Fish Interfaith Center. The featured speaker is actor and poet Amber Tamblyn, and the guest performer is singer Gurpreet Sarin.”

 

Commencement ceremonies take place on Friday and Saturday for the various colleges. Noteworthy individuals to give keynote addresses include Oahn X. Nguyen, co-founder of Chance Theater, for the College of Performing Arts; Humanitarian Carl Wilkens for the College of Educational Studies and Cathy Schulman, president of Mandalay Pictures, for the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

 

Most events are free and open to the public without tickets. View schedule at www.chapman.edu/students/academic-resources/graduation/schedule.aspx