Commencement 2024

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. Please see below for a listing of events families are invited to attend as we celebrate the Class of 2024.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

5-7 p.m. | Mosaic Celebration
Prior Performing Arts Center, Beehive
The event honors and celebrates students of color, first-generation students, and international students of the Class of 2024 for their achievements and contributions to the College community. Invite only.


Thursday, May 23, 2024

Two graduates posing on Fenwick Porch

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Senior Portraits 
Fenwick Hall Porch
Photographer Robert Carlin will be on campus to capture professional photos of you and your classmates in your academic regalia on the historic Commencement Porch located at the front of Fenwick Hall. Photos will be available for download, at no cost. Please note, these are not the same as the yearbook photos.


NROTC graduate being pinned by family

11 a.m. | NROTC Commissioning 
Stein Quad
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. The NROTC program includes cross-town enrollment students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester State University, and Brown University.

American Sign Language symbol

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present.


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 Michele C. Murray, Senior Vice President for Student Development and Mission.  This event will be available via livestream.

American Sign Language symbol

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present.


Graduate carrying banner down aisle during mass processional

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 and beliefs are most welcome, and there is no limit to the number of guests 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. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be held in the Luth Athletic Complex, Basketball Arena. This event will be available via livestream.

American Sign Language symbol

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present.


Distance viewed of graduates and their families at a reception on the Hoval at sunset.

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Last Sunset on the Hill
Hogan Campus Center, Hoval 
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. Graduates should RSVP for their families by Friday, May 3. 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 served basis. There is no cost to attend this event. RSVP required. 


Friday, May 24, 2024

10:15 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 served basis. The ceremony is expected to be approximately two-and-a-half hours long. The procession of graduates will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. This event will be available via livestream.

American Sign Language symbol

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present.


President Rougeau shaking graduate hand on commencement stage

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.


Hotels and Accommodations

A limited number of on-campus rooms are made available for family housing on Thursday, May 23. Rooms will be available on a first come, first served basis. Cost is $50/room. Each room has two twin-sized beds. Rooms do have air conditioning and private bathrooms (linens provided). Reservations must be made by Friday, May 3. Please note, we are not able to accommodate late stays in family on-campus housing.

We advise guests to book hotels early. A listing of College partner hotels can be found here.

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. Graduates are expected to arrive at Hogan by 8:30 a.m. to be transported. Those traveling on their own must arrive at the DCU Center no later than 9:00 a.m.

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 9:45 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.

DCU Center entrance at Major Taylor Blvd and Foster St at dusk

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 8x10 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 also 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. Graduates can register now with GradImages to receive access to discounts. 

Local Restaurants
Please note, dinner will not be available on campus Thursday evening. However, 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.

Sign Templates
The College has put together a suite of design templates (jpeg, PDF) that can be downloaded and used to create signs for your home or yard as you and your family celebrate your accomplishments.

 

Questions

Please check out the frequently asked questions section of the Commencement website or contact us at commence@holycross.edu or 508-793-3475.