Schedule of Events
Presidents’ Drive is closed to facilitate the renovation and expansion of Doane Hall. Please enter and exit the campus at the East Gate (on N. Pearl Street).
Senior Send-Off
Tuesday, May 13, through Friday, May 16, graduating Denisonians participate in multiple receptions, celebrations, and activities — including the senior bucket list! Organized by the Office of Alumni & Family Engagement and Student Life.
Friday Events
Legacy Lunch
Noon - 1:30 p.m., Friday May 16
Location: Curtis Hall, Provost’s Dining Room
Hosted by the Alumni and Family Engagement Office, the Legacy Lunch recognizes and celebrates Denison alumni families and their graduating seniors. By invitation only.
Baccalaureate
4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Friday May 16
Location: Swasey Chapel
Denison’s Baccalaureate service is a celebration that provides graduating seniors with an opportunity to reflect on their gratitude for the educational experience they’ve received and for everyone who supported them along the way. Baccalaureate also serves as a blessing of the senior class members as they leave The Hill and go forth into postgraduate life. Both the 4 and 6:30 p.m. services are identical and are offered as a convenience in consideration of families’ differing schedules during Commencement Weekend.
Phi Beta Kappa
5 p.m, Friday May 16
Location: Slayter Hall, Third Floor
Phi Beta Kappa will hold an induction ceremony, followed by a reception. By invitation only.
Senior Soirée
7 p.m., Friday May 16
Location: Reese~Shackelford Common
The Senior Soirée is a social celebration with food trucks, a bar, and dancing for seniors and their guests.
Saturday Events
Faculty Coffee
9 – 10 a.m., Saturday, May 17
Location: Livingston Gymnasium, Mitchell Center
Seniors, families, and faculty members gather for coffee and conversation.
Commencement
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, May 17
Location: Indoors, Mitchell Center Fieldhouse
Denison University’s 184th Commencement exercises celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. The event will include keynote speaker Dee Dee Bridgewater, remarks by Denison President Adam Weinberg and student speaker Jess Cohen ’25, and more. Commencement will take place in the Mitchell Center Fieldhouse. For those unable to attend, the Commencement Ceremonies will be recorded and added to this website within 48 hours after the ceremonies are concluded.
No tickets are required to attend Commencement exercises.
Moving Out of Residence Halls
All graduates must move out of their residence hall rooms by 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. To facilitate a more efficient departure after Commencement and so that you and your family can spend the day celebrating this special occasion, as opposed to packing, we recommend planning ahead. This includes:
- Taking any unnecessary items home during Spring Break
- Taking time the week before Commencement to pack and load vehicles.
The more you plan ahead, the happier your senior week and Commencement will be!
