Senior Celebrations

Commencement
Home History and Traditions»Commencement»Senior Celebrations

Susquehanna’s graduating class worked hard to reach the milestone that is Commencement. The university celebrates them and their achievements by hosting a variety of special events. Senior Scholars Day is an opportunity for seniors to showcase and present what they’ve learned throughout their academic career at SU. Senior Week, the week leading up to Commencement, is filled with fun university traditions — including trips to lively spots around the area, lawn games and complimentary food trucks and beverages — so graduates can kick back, relax and celebrate with their friends before heading out into the world.

2024 Senior Week Schedule of Events

*Schedule of events will continue to be updated as details are finalized.

MONDAY, MAY 13 

Wrist Band Pick-up, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Mellon Lounge, Degenstein Campus Center

MONDAY, MAY 13

SU FACT Celebration for Senior Female Student-Athletes, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Meeting Rooms 1–5

Senior Week Opening Bash with DJ, 8–10 p.m., TRAX

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Brunch and Mimosas, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., EDR

Beer and Wine Tours, 12–5 p.m., departs from Degenstein Campus Center (Arrive early to check in.)

Food Trucks on Kurtz Lane, 7–10 p.m.

Movie Night on Deg Lawn, 8–10 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Senior Hike, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Senior Luau on Smith Lawn, 1–4 p.m.

Paint N Sip in Trax, 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Campfires/S’mores, 7–9 p.m.

 

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Senior Hike Rain Date, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Graduation Cap Decorating (location TBD) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Senior Champion Reception, 6–7 p.m., Deg Patio

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Luncheon for Graduates, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Evert Dining Room

Mandatory Rehearsal, 2–3:30 p.m., Report to Weber Chapel

Senior Week Field Day on Smith Lawn, 3:30–6:30 p.m.

Baccalaureate, 7:30 p.m., Weber Chapel

Late Night Bingo in Charlies, 9:30–11 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Optional Brunch for Graduates & Families, 9:30–11 a.m. and 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Evert Dining Room, Degenstein Campus Center (reservations required)

Commencement, 1 p.m., Robert I. Estill Field House, Garret Sports Complex

2024 Affinity Group Ceremonies

MONDAY, MAY 6

Lavender Graduation (Cording Ceremony), 4:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

First-Generation Pinning Ceremony, 4 p.m., Stretansky Concert Hall

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Umoja Stoling Ceremony, 4:30 p.m., Stretansky Concert Hall

Senior Hike

The Senior Hike is a long-standing tradition, which dates back to the 19th century and was revived in the early 2000s. The university president leads the senior class up Mt. Mahanoy on a relatively short, but steep, one-hour long hike.

At the summit, seniors gaze upon the Susquehanna River Valley below as Jennifer Elick, associate professor of earth & environmental sciences, tells of how the land was carved by glaciers, influencing the Susquehanna River’s flow. It is likely their last lecture from a Susquehanna professor.

The president delivers words of encouragement and inspiration while photos with friends are taken. Then it’s back down the mountain to head to campus, where, in just a few days, seniors will proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.

Senior Scholars Day

Susquehanna students have a multitude of opportunities to do undergraduate research, perfect musical skills, create artwork and work on projects related to their field of study.

With the closing of the spring semester, seniors have the chance to show off their hard work to faculty, staff, students and the public on Senior Scholars Day. Throughout the day, students present research findings in the form of poster displays and oral presentations, music students perform in recitals, and those majoring in graphic design and studio art curate their Senior Graphic Design & Studio Art Show in The Lore Degenstein Gallery.

The day also allows students to honor those professors they have worked so closely with during their time at Susquehanna.

READ More About Senior Scholars Day 2024

Baccalaureate

During Commencement season, there is so much to celebrate at Susquehanna. One of the ceremonies we look forward to is Baccalaureate, a non-religious service prior to Commencement for graduates, their families and supporters.

Student speakers, readers and musicians from the graduating class reflect on the theme of gratitude in light of their academic journeys. The celebration also includes the singing of Susquehanna’s Alma Mater and musical offerings from the Baccalaureate choir.

Susquehanna’s Baccalaureate ceremony, celebrating the Class of 2024, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Weber Chapel Auditorium.

Image of Susquehanna University student at Baccalaureate 2023.