Dear Class of 2023 graduates,
The time has come! This weekend, you will graduate and become alumni of Colorado College. We are so proud of you, and we look forward to honoring your achievements throughout Commencement weekend.
Here are the final details and key reminders for Commencement 2023. Remember to share your experiences using #ColoradoCollege2023 on social media!
Commencement Weekend:
- Senior Soiree, Wednesday, May 24, 5 p.m. This is a senior event with President Richardson and the First Year Program Faculty. An advanced RSVP is required. If you haven’t received your invitation, please RSVP to Keragan Ettleman at kettleman@coloradocollege.edu.
- Baccalaureate, Saturday, May 27, 3-4 p.m., in Shove Chapel. This event kicks off Commencement weekend with a chance to reflect and express gratitude. Richard Fernando Buxton, associate professor and chair of the Classics Department, will give the Baccalaureate address.
- Commencement, Sunday, May 28, 8:30 a.m., in Ed Robson Arena. This is the culmination of the academic year, in which we honor you, the graduates of the Class of 2023. Liz Cheney ’88 will deliver the Commencement address. Please remember to bring only your cell phone to Commencement, as there will be no storage option. Every graduate will be required to have gowns unzipped prior to entering into the arena.
- President’s Reception, Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m. Following the Commencement ceremony, please join President L. Song Richardson on Tava Quad for light refreshments.
Both Commencement and Baccalaureate are open only to graduates and ticketed guests. A livestream will be available for both ceremonies at
Live at Colorado College.
Key Reminders
- Transfer tickets to your guests: The deadline for graduates to claim guest tickets was Friday, May 19. Don’t forget to transfer tickets to your guests via CC Ticketmaster (detailed transfer instructions are available here and in the reminder email from Wednesday, May 18). Your guests will not be able to access their tickets to enter the venue and will not receive important “Know Before You Go” information if you do not complete this step.
- Cap and gown pickup: Be sure to pick up your regalia from the CC Bookstore on Thursday, May 25, between 9 a.m.-4 p.m., or Friday, May 26, between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal: Friday, May 26, 11 a.m. All graduates are required to attend rehearsal in order to walk in Sunday’s ceremony. Meet on the north side of Ed Robson Arena. After the rehearsal, stick around for a celebratory BBQ lunch on the concourse level, hosted by the annual giving and alumni offices.
- Grad Images: Friday, May 26, 1-4 p.m. Grad Images will be available in the Chapman Room of Ed Robson Arena to take individual and family photos of you in your cap and gown. Once images are processed, you will be able to review and select specific photos for purchase at Gradimages.com.
- Senior Class Photo: Saturday, May 27, 2 p.m. Gather on the steps of Palmer Hall for a group photo with your classmates. Please wear your regalia (cap and gown).
- Call time for graduates on Commencement morning is 7:15 a.m. Graduates assemble on the north side of Ed Robson Arena. Please be prompt and allow ample time for traffic and congestion.
- Departmental Receptions: Review the full schedule of department-specific receptions, most of which take place Saturday afternoon after Baccalaureate. Students will also receive invitations directly from their academic departments.
Parking and Road Closures
On Commencement morning, attendees may
park anywhere on campus (no fees or permits apply), except the first floor of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage on East Dale St. which is reserved for guests with limited mobility who require parking close to the venue. Golf carts will also be available from parking areas across campus to transport guests to Ed Robson Arena.
Accessible parking is available on all levels of the Ed Robson Arena parking garage and in other parking lots on campus.
On Sunday, May 28, the following roads will be closed for Commencement activities:
- Cache La Poudre St. from N. Nevada Ave. to N. Cascade Ave.
- Tejon St. from E. Dale St. to E. Cache La Poudre St.
Downtown Shuttle: “The Zeb” free downtown shuttle will begin running at 7 a.m. on Commencement morning. The route travels along Tejon St. between Rio Grande St. and Cache La Poudre St., with a stop outside of Ed Robson Arena.
Review the detailed route information.
Remember, you can find all Commencement details including the full schedule, speakers, tickets, parking, and accessibility information, at coloradocollege.edu/commencement.
Congratulations, graduates!
