Spring has sprung and we have seniors on campus who are but a couple short blocks from the finish line!

Commencement is just over 50 days away!

More than a ceremony, Commencement and CC’s other end-of-year events present an opportunity for the campus community to celebrate achievements, reflect on experiences, and collectively look ahead to the bright futures that await our graduates.

Please take note of the dates below and keep a close eye on your inbox and the Commencement 2024 webpage for additional details to come.

Commencement 2024

Sunday, May 19, 8:30 a.m., Ed Robson Arena

Commencement Speaker – The college is pleased to welcome Frieda Ekotto ’86 back to campus to deliver the 2024 Commencement address. Ekotto is the Lorna Goodison Collegiate Professor of Afroamerican and African Studies, Comparative Literature, and Francophone Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

In 1986, Ekotto became the first African woman to graduate from Colorado College. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in French and Comparative Literature from the University of Minnesota and began teaching in 1994 at the University of Michigan. In addition to her academic work, she is also a creative writer and CC Trustee. Learn more about Ekotto in this “Untold Stories” feature.

We look forward to the valuable insights Ekotto will share with our graduates as they head into their next chapter.

Immediately following the ceremony, President L. Song Richardson will host a reception for all to enjoy on Tava Quad.

In addition to Commencement, other related events and festivities include:

Honors Convocation

Tuesday, May 7, 11 a.m., Shove Memorial Chapel

This is CC’s opportunity to honor outstanding students and faculty. The annual program includes departmental awards, all-college awards, faculty teaching and professorships, and awards from the CC Student Government Association. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend.

To further honor CC’s commitment to our students for the past 150 years, the campus community is invited to a special sesquicentennial ice cream social on Tava Quad immediately following Honors Convocation. This will also be an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to bid farewell to our outgoing President, L. Song Richardson.

Baccalaureate

Saturday, May 18, 3 p.m., Shove Memorial Chapel

Baccalaureate is a centuries-old graduation tradition, providing an opportunity to reflect on this rite of passage, hear from a faculty member, and celebrate our talented students. Students and their invited guests may attend in person (two guests per student). A livestream of the ceremony will also be available online.

Share Your Well Wishes through “Baccalaureate Blessings”

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to share their well wishes and words of celebration for graduates as part of this special Colorado College tradition. Together, these messages form a communal blessing, sharing both individual and collective love and hope for the graduates as they journey forth from CC. This year, Baccalaureate Blessings are once again happening digitally. Submitted messages will be displayed on the jumbotron in Ed Robson Arena during Commencement on May 19, as well as online. Click here for instructions and ideas for how to submit a message.

This event is open to graduates and up to two guests each. Seniors who have applied to graduate will receive an email in the coming weeks with instructions for how to claim tickets to the Baccalaureate ceremony through Ticketmaster.

Faculty March Registration

Faculty members must register in advance to march in the Commencement 2024 events, including Honors Convocation, Baccalaureate, and Commencement ceremonies. Please use this link to register to march. For questions, reach out to Sarah Nurmi, Assistant Director of College Events at snurmi@coloradocollege.edu.

Volunteers Needed

Want to get involved and be a part of the Commencement excitement? Please consider signing up to volunteer! To learn more or sign up, please contact Patty O’Halloran on the college events team at pohalloran@coloradocollege.edu or (719) 389-6935.

Ticket Information

A limited number of standing-room-only tickets will be available for faculty who are not marching and staff after May 16, 2024. Stay tuned for more information on how to claim a ticket.

Livestreaming will also be available online for Commencement, Honors Convocation, and Baccalaureate events.

Last but certainly not least – Thank You!

As members of the CC community, we all share pride in the achievements of this year’s graduating students and all CC alumni who’ve crossed the commencement stage before them over CC’s 150 years.

Students, thank you for supporting each other throughout your time at CC.

Faculty and staff, thank you for the work you do each day to contribute to our campus community, and for welcoming the hundreds of friends and family members visiting campus for these special celebrations.

The CC Commencement Team

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