Graduation Weekend
Family members welcome! No tickets required.
Commencement 2025
May 10 & 11, 2025
Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Important Announcements
Seniors: Complete all of the items on your 2025 Graduation Checklist.
In preparation for graduation, order your cap and gown. View the 2025 Cap and Gown information.
Remote viewing links will be available here on the day of each ceremony.
Questions? Email us!
commencement@francis.edu
Schedule of Events
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Ceremonies for School of Health Science & Education
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9 a.m. Graduate Students SHSE
School of Health Science & Education (Graduate Students)
9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Admiral Michael Milner
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
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10 a.m. Brunch
Brunch (Torvian Dining Hall)
10:00 a.m.
Cost: $9
No reservations needed.
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1 p.m. Undergraduate Students SHSE
School of Health Science & Education (Undergraduate Students)
1:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Dr. MaCalus Hogan
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
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4 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass (Chapel)
Baccalaureate Mass
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Immaculate Conception Chapel
Graduates and faculty, please arrive by 3:45 wearing academic regalia and sit in reserved section.
School of Health Science & Education (Graduate Students)
9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Admiral Michael Milner
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
Brunch (Torvian Dining Hall)
10:00 a.m.
Cost: $9
No reservations needed.
School of Health Science & Education (Undergraduate Students)
1:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Dr. MaCalus Hogan
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
Baccalaureate Mass
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Immaculate Conception Chapel
Graduates and faculty, please arrive by 3:45 wearing academic regalia and sit in reserved section.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Ceremony for Ed.D, SSOB, STEAM & DPS
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9 a.m. Combined Ceremony
Combined Ceremony
Executive Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Innovation (Inaugural Class)
School of STEAM
Shields School of Business
Division of Professional Studies
9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Hon. D. Brooks Smith
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
Combined Ceremony
Executive Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Innovation (Inaugural Class)
School of STEAM
Shields School of Business
Division of Professional Studies
9:00 a.m. (Candidates should arrive one hour before.)
Location: Maurice Stokes Athletics Center DeGol Arena
Commencement Speaker: Hon. D. Brooks Smith
- Remote Viewing Link (TBA)
- Commencement Program Download (TBA)
More Senior Activities
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Senior Year-Fun
Donut Heaven: May 1-3, 2025, 9-11 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall
Bell Ceremony (weather dependent) May 7, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
Seniors: Meet at the bell tower across from the entrance to Torvian
Senior Picnic (Sponsored by SFU Alumni Association) May 7, 2025, 5-7 p.m., JFK Lounge
Senior Send-Off (Sponsored by the Senior Class) May 8, 2025, 6-10 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall
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Special Academic Ceremonies
President's Award Convocation: April 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Stokes
Nurses Pinning Ceremony: May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Chapel
Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony: May 9, 2025, 9:30 a.m., Chapel
Physician Assistant Sciences Pinning Ceremony: April 27, 2025, 1 p.m., JFK
Physical Therapy Recognition Ceremony: May 9, 2025, 4:30 p.m., JFK
Division of Professional Studies Welcome Reception: May 11, 2025, 8 a.m., Location. TBD
Donut Heaven: May 1-3, 2025, 9-11 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall
Bell Ceremony (weather dependent) May 7, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
Seniors: Meet at the bell tower across from the entrance to Torvian
Senior Picnic (Sponsored by SFU Alumni Association) May 7, 2025, 5-7 p.m., JFK Lounge
Senior Send-Off (Sponsored by the Senior Class) May 8, 2025, 6-10 p.m., Torvian Dining Hall
President's Award Convocation: April 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Stokes
Nurses Pinning Ceremony: May 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Chapel
Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony: May 9, 2025, 9:30 a.m., Chapel
Physician Assistant Sciences Pinning Ceremony: April 27, 2025, 1 p.m., JFK
Physical Therapy Recognition Ceremony: May 9, 2025, 4:30 p.m., JFK
Division of Professional Studies Welcome Reception: May 11, 2025, 8 a.m., Location. TBD
It's time to celebrate!
Your dedication, hard work, and perseverance have paid off, leading you to this significant life milestone. We've provided a few resources to help you celebrate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more help? Email: commencement@francis.edu
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What do I need to do to get ready for graduation?
View the 2025 Commencement Checklist.
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How many family members can I bring?
You may bring as many family members as you like. No tickets are required for Commencement Exercises.
Special seating arrangements will be made for the physically challenged on the main floor of the DeGol Arena. We ask that you restrict the number of guests seated on the floor to one or two people, as seating is limited. Other family members should sit in regular audience seats.
Following the ceremony, the facility will be cleared to allow time to prepare for the next ceremony. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE ARENA BETWEEN CEREMONIES.
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Is the ceremony handicapped accessible?
Those with difficulty walking can be dropped off near the main entrance of Maurice Stokes Athletics Center. University Police will provide directions. Handicapped seating is available at each ceremony with no advanced reservation needed.
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Where can my family park on graduation day?
Parking for Commencement is available in the commuter parking lot adjacent to the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center and in the parking lot adjacent to the JFK Student Center. University Police will be provide directions. Questions regarding special parking needs can be directed to University Police at (814) 472-3360.
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Will my family members be able to watch the ceremony from home?
Yes, we will be streaming each ceremony live as it happens. Links will be provided at the top of this page before each ceremony.
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How do I request a transcript?
Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. Your new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of your transcript and our obligations under Federal law. The instructions found in the link below will enable you to request your transcript for delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible.
https://www.francis.edu/request-a-transcript
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Where can I purchase graduation announcements, flowers, etc.?
Graduation Announcements
Personalized announcement packages may be purchased through Herff-Jones by visiting their website: https://collegegrad.herffjones.com.
The Saint Francis University Bookstore carries general announcement packets for students who prefer a simpler option.
Flowers
Ordering flowers for a graduate just got easier!
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Purchasing Senior Portraits from Lifetouch
Individual Photo Packages
Lifetouch/PhotoDay will be on hand to capture individual photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma which families will have the option to purchase.
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How do I stay connected after graduation?
The Office of Alumni Relations is your resource for everything alumni-related. We'll help you make sure that you always remain part of the RedFlash Family!
View the 2025 Commencement Checklist.
You may bring as many family members as you like. No tickets are required for Commencement Exercises.
Special seating arrangements will be made for the physically challenged on the main floor of the DeGol Arena. We ask that you restrict the number of guests seated on the floor to one or two people, as seating is limited. Other family members should sit in regular audience seats.
Following the ceremony, the facility will be cleared to allow time to prepare for the next ceremony. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE ARENA BETWEEN CEREMONIES.
Those with difficulty walking can be dropped off near the main entrance of Maurice Stokes Athletics Center. University Police will provide directions. Handicapped seating is available at each ceremony with no advanced reservation needed.
Parking for Commencement is available in the commuter parking lot adjacent to the Maurice Stokes Athletics Center and in the parking lot adjacent to the JFK Student Center. University Police will be provide directions. Questions regarding special parking needs can be directed to University Police at (814) 472-3360.
Yes, we will be streaming each ceremony live as it happens. Links will be provided at the top of this page before each ceremony.
Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. Your new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of your transcript and our obligations under Federal law. The instructions found in the link below will enable you to request your transcript for delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible.
https://www.francis.edu/request-a-transcript
Graduation Announcements
Personalized announcement packages may be purchased through Herff-Jones by visiting their website: https://collegegrad.herffjones.com.
The Saint Francis University Bookstore carries general announcement packets for students who prefer a simpler option.
Flowers
Ordering flowers for a graduate just got easier!
Individual Photo Packages
Lifetouch/PhotoDay will be on hand to capture individual photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma which families will have the option to purchase.

The Office of Alumni Relations is your resource for everything alumni-related. We'll help you make sure that you always remain part of the RedFlash Family!