The College is excited to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2024 alongside their family, friends, mentors, faculty, and staff.
The College of the Holy Cross will celebrate its 178th Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2024 on Friday, May 24, 2024. Families will be invited to join us in Worcester for events beginning Thursday, May 23. See the listing of confirmed events below. Please note, a complete listing of events will be available in the spring semester.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, May 23, 2024
12:30 p.m. | Awards Ceremony
Dinand Library, Main Reading Room
The presentation of the Senior Academic Awards and Prizes by Constance Royden, dean for the class of 2024, and the Presidential Service Awards by President Vincent D. Rougeau, assisted by the Senior Vice President for Student Development and Mission Michele C. Murray. This event will be available via livestream.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present.
3 p.m. | Baccalaureate Mass
Fitton Football Stadium
This annual liturgy of celebration, blessing, and thanksgiving is open to all seniors, their families, and guests. All faith traditions or beliefs are most welcome and there is no limit to the number who may attend. Members of our Jesuit community will preside and preach, while students, faculty, and staff of the College will serve as our ministers and musicians. This event will be available via livestream.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present.
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Last Sunset on the Hill
Members of the Class of 2024 and their families are invited to gather and enjoy one final sunset on the Hill. The event will include live music, light food, and refreshments. Initially, each graduate is allowed a ticket for themselves and up to two guests. After registration closes, remaining tickets will become available on a first come, first serve basis. There is no cost to attend this event. Registration will open in the spring semester.
Friday, May 24, 2024
10:30 a.m. | 178th Commencement Exercises
DCU Center, 50 Forster Street Worcester
The College celebrates 178th Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2024 with graduates and guests. Please join President Vincent D. Rougeau in honoring the achievements of our graduates. There is no limit to the number of guests who may attend and tickets are not issued.
Doors will open at 8 a.m. and seating is on a first come, first serve basis. The ceremony is expected to be approximately two and a half hours. This event will be available via livestream.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present.
Following Ceremony | Commencement Reception
DCU Center Convention Hall
An opportunity for graduates and their guests to celebrate with faculty and staff. A light fare menu will be served.
NROTC Commissioning
This traditional ceremony awards commissions in the United States Navy and Marine Corps to students graduating through the NROTC program at the College of the Holy Cross. Additional details including date and time to come.
Hotels and Accommodations
We advise guests to book hotels early. A listing of College partner hotels can be found here.
A limited number of on-campus rooms will be made available for family housing on Thursday, May 23. Rooms will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations will not be open until the spring semester. Please note, we are not able to accommodate early or late arrivals in family on-campus housing.
The DCU Center
Transportation for Graduates
Graduates will be transported from Hogan 3 to the DCU Center for Commencement. Additional details will be communicated in the spring semester.
Parking
The DCU Center partners with a variety of parking garages in the surrounding area. A complete list of these locations can be found on the DCU Center website. Please ensure that you leave ample time to park and to be seated in the DCU Center by 10 a.m.
Entering the DCU Center
All guests must enter the DCU Center through the main entrance (pictured below) at the intersection of Major Taylor Blvd and Foster Street.
Prohibited Items
Please note that per DCU Center policies, guests may not bring outside food or beverages into the building. The DCU Center does have a No Bag Policy. Small purses/wristlets of a MAXIMUM SIZE of 8 x 10 inches will be permitted. Medical bags and diaper bags will be allowed and must be checked prior to entry. Other items, including helium balloons, are also prohibited at the ceremony. Please see the DCU Center website for a complete listing of prohibited items.
Additional Information
Commencement Photos
During the Commencement ceremony, GradImages will be photographing graduates. Each graduate will have their photo taken with the president as they cross the stage and once they exit the stage. Proofs of these will be available after the ceremony. You will be able to purchase prints and/or digital copies of the images.
Local Restaurants
Dinner will not be available on campus Thursday evening; however, there are a few reception options with light fare. Worcester has many wonderful restaurants. Visit Discover Central Mass for a listing of local options. Reservations are encouraged.
Campus Move Out
Graduates are expected to move-out of the residence halls by 8 p.m. on Friday, May 24. Contact reslife@holycross.edu or 508-793-2411 with any questions.
Hometown Publicity
The College will create and distribute a press release to the hometown news outlets, high schools and local elected officials of every 2024 graduate. See the Merit Pages FAQs for more detailed information.
Questions
Please check out the frequently asked questions section of the Commencement website or contact us at commence@holycross.edu or 508-793-3475.