Commencement
Celebrating the Class of 2020
We are very much looking forward to welcoming the class of 2020 along with families, friends, and guests back to campus for this festive and well-deserved conclusion to their time as an undergraduate at Haverford. The Commencement ceremony will take place Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m, in the Alumni Field House.
Key details
- Housing: Members of the class may choose to stay on campus for one, two, or three nights, and are welcome to participate in as many or as few events as they like. We will use Gummere and Leeds Halls to house the class. Requests to stay near certain classmates will be incorporated into the housing assignment process, but cannot be guaranteed, and will not be finalized until individuals arrive on campus.
- Cost: There will be no cost to members of the Class of 2020 for staying on campus, participating in the events, or any meals for the duration of the weekend.
- Regalia: The College will provide all academic regalia (cap, tassel, and gown) for graduates. It will be made available on the morning of the Commencement ceremony in Zubrow Commons.
- Commencement ceremony and guests: Family, friends, guests, and other alumni present for Alumni Weekend will be welcome to join on Saturday, May 28, at 11:00 a.m. for the Commencement ceremony. There will be no tickets or guest limit, but masks will be required. We recommend that families and guests arrange plans for lunch following the ceremony; the College will have light refreshments available, but amidst the extensive events of the weekend, cannot offer lunch for all guests.
- Recording: The ceremony will be recorded, and will be available online the following week.
- Guests at other events: The Commencement ceremony will be the only weekend event open to guests. We are focusing all available resources and spaces on campus to celebrate the 2020 graduates, and to offer them the opportunity to convene for celebration and a belated sense of closure. Family members, partners, and other guests will not be permitted to stay in the residence halls or to join any meals or events.
- Vaccination: In order to attend, all Class of 2020 members must upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Weekend Itinerary
Check-in all weekend at the Whitehead Campus Center. Commencement only attendees come to Zubrow Commons on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m.
The Haverford College Bookstore will be open Friday, May 27, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 28, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 29, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Highlight Events
- Bell ringing and signing of Founders Hall cupola
- An evening at Ardmore Music Hall on Friday night
- Commencement ceremony Saturday morning
- Cocktails and snacks with faculty and staff Saturday afternoon
- Dinner and quizzo on Saturday evening
Thursday, May 26
12:00 p.m.
Check-in starting at noon
Whitehead Campus Center
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Afternoon snacks, drinks, and lawn games
Leeds Green
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dinner options at partner restaurants in Ardmore
8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Drinks and snacks
Leeds Tent
Friday, May 27
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast
Leeds Tent
11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Founders Courtyard • Rain Location: Zubrow Commons
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bell-ringing and signing of Founders Hall cupola
Founders Hall
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Afternoon snacks, drinks, and lawn games
Leeds Green • Rain Location: Gummere Basement
6:30 p.m.
Bus leaves from Stokes Hall
Stokes Hall
7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Evening dinner, drinks, and music.
Coffee and a quieter space at The Story.
Ardmore Music Hall
Saturday, May 28
9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
Leeds Tent
10:00 a.m.
Commencement robing
Check-in for day-of arrivals at 9:30 a.m.
Zubrow Commons
11:00 a.m.
Commencement ceremony with light refreshments, followed by independently arranged lunch plans with families and guests
Alumni Fieldhouse
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Afternoon gathering with faculty and staff
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Open swim at the Faculty Pool
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cocktails and snacks
by Featherbed Field • Rain Locations: VCAM & Alumni Fieldhouse
6:00 p.m.
Dinner, drinks, and quizzo
by Featherbed Field / Faculty Pool • Rain Location: Alumni Fieldhouse
Late night snacks
Leeds Tent
Sunday, May 29
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sunday brunch
Dining Center
1:00 p.m.
Checkout
Registration has now closed. Graduates who did not receive updates about the weekend should contact hc-commencement [at] haverford.edu ASAP.
Looking Back
Our online celebration of accomplishment took place on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 1 p.m. EDT. Our seniors had already received a care package from the College, and students and families shared photos and memories across social media using #celebrateHaverford20. We invited all families and friends of our senior class to share well wishes, congratulations, or a warm hello with a video message. We all continue to salute your achievements and applaud your status as Haverford alumni. Congratulations!
Contact hc-commencement [at] haverford.edu with any questions.