Graduating Class of '24
The Class of 2024 commencement ceremony will be held on Oglethorpe University’s academic quad on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 9 a.m. No tickets are necessary for guests to attend.
The ceremony will be livestreamed with English and Spanish subtitles.
Award-winning journalist Rose Scott will address the graduating class. Read more.
Important dates & times
Friday, May 3 – Lavender Graduation
OU Lavender Graduation will be held 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, May 3. We will begin with a ceremony in Lupton Auditorium and transition to a reception in the Cousins Atrium. RSVPs are full. Speak to your graduate to confirm they RSVP’d for your party.
Saturday, May 4 – Si Se Pudo: Latinx Graduation Celebration
Our inaugural Latinx graduation will be held 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. In a cultural celebration for our graduating students, we will honor the importance of family in Latinx culture in a bilingual ceremony. We will begin with a ceremony in Lupton Auditorium and transition to a reception in the Cousins Atrium. RSVPs are full. Speak to your graduate to confirm they RSVP’d for your party.
Saturday, May 4 – Kente Robing Ceremony
The 2024 OU Kente Robing Ceremony will be held 6 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, on campus. Additional information regarding the event time and location will be forthcoming. We will begin with a ceremony in Lupton Auditorium and transition to a reception in the Cousins Atrium. RSVPs are full. Speak to your graduate to confirm they RSVP’d for your party.
For more information about identity ceremonies, please contact Marisol Zacarias, director of the Intercultural Center.
Monday, May 13th – Senior Week Kick-Off BBQ
6 – 9 p.m. – TLCC patio
We aim to kick off Senior Week with an evening reception on the TLCC Patio. The event will feature food, music, drinks, and yard games to foster camaraderie among our graduating class. We also plan to extend invitations to young alums to mingle with the newest members of the Alumni Community.
Tuesday, May 14th – Ice Cream Social, Scavenger Hunt, and Lock-In
1 – 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. – Conant veranda
During the early afternoon, we plan to host an Ice Cream Social and Scavenger Hunt session for seniors to connect and enjoy sweet treats. We’ll meet at the Conant Veranda! In the evening, we will transition into a late-night event filled with games, music, crafts, and bonding activities. We’ll be serving a late-night meal via Waffle House catering.
Wednesday, May 15th – Off-Campus Activity
7 – 10 p.m.
Buses leave at 6:15 p.m. Seniors are headed to SlingshotATL!
Thursday, May 16 – Commencement Rehearsal, Class Photo & Carillon Ceremony
Commencement Rehearsal – 4 – 5 p.m. – Library Atrium, Lowry Hall
Class Photo – 5:15 p.m. – After rehearsal, a class photo will be taken on the track and field using a drone.
Carillon Ceremony for graduates – 5:30 p.m. – Lupton Auditorium, immediately following rehearsal and the class photo. RSVP by May 9.
Friday, May 17 – President’s Reception
Oglethorpe President Kathryn McClymond will host a reception for seniors and their families in the Turner Lynch Campus Center, 4 – 6 p.m. No RSVP is required.
Friday, May 17 – Senior Art Exhibition
TLCC 106A&B at 6 p.m.
Join our graduating studio art majors in celebrating the artworks created in their time at Oglethorpe University. Alcohol is provided with petrel pass or valid form of ID.
Saturday, May 18 – Commencement Ceremony
Graduates should report to the Library Atrium in Lowry Hall by 8 a.m.
Guests are encouraged to be seated by 8:45 a.m. No tickets required. Seating is first-come, first-served. The ceremony will be held on the quad, rain or shine.
The ceremony also will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Diplomas will be handed out to graduates after the Commencement on May 18 in the Library by the study rooms for an hour after the ceremony ends, until approximately 12 p.m.
Graduation Etiquette
To ensure a safe environment and so that all guests can see their graduate during the ceremony, please note these requests:
- Keep walkways open.
- Do not bring pyrotechnics, including confetti cannons, smoke bombs, sparklers, etc.
- Designated photo areas are for professional photographers. Please wait until after the ceremony to approach these areas. This includes standing in front of the stage to take photos.
- If you bring posters or signs, they should not block the view of the ceremony for other guests at any time.
Questions?
Please continue to check your Oglethorpe email and this website for information as it becomes available. For additional questions, contact [email protected].
Media contact: Lance Wallace, Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
