Graduating Students, Families Invited to ‘Commencement Celebration 2019’

Duquesne University will host a daylong Commencement Celebration 2019 on Friday, May 10, to add to the festivities during its spring commencement ceremonies. The event will honor the new graduates, their families and their accomplishments in this all-campus celebration.

Commencement Celebration 2019 will begin at 10 a.m. on Academic Walk and conclude at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy refreshments at the event throughout the day.

“Commencement Celebration 2019 is the result of much positive input from students, parents, faculty and staff, including a great meeting with the incoming and outgoing SGA Presidents,” said Duquesne President Ken Gormley. “In light of the new arrangements necessitated this year due to major renovations in the A.J. Palumbo Center, this additional event seemed like a great way to bring the celebration onto campus.”

“We plan to provide designated spaces and opportunities for students and their families and friends to gather on campus during the day when it’s most convenient for them.” Gormley added. “They can meet to take photos, celebrate with classmates and their families, and spend time with the whole campus community to mark this great milestone in their lives.”

Academic Walk will be decorated for Commencement Celebration 2019 and include banners designating each school’s gathering place, where graduates can plan to meet family, friends and classmates. Graduates will also have the option to visit their respective schools with friends and family.

“For many graduates, one of the joys of commencement is introducing a favorite professor, trusted advisor, a coach, a counselor or some other influential person to family and friends,” said Provost Dr. David Dausey. “This will provide a wonderful opportunity for faculty and staff to join us and celebrate with our students and their extended families.”

In case of rain, Commencement Celebration 2019 will take place in the Power Center Ballroom, with overflow later in the day in the fourth-floor Union Ballroom, if necessary.

Attendees are asked to RSVP with number of attendees at www.duq.edu/commencement by Tuesday, May 7, to ensure proper counts for food and other logistics.

“Commencement is truly a special time for the whole Duquesne family,” Gormley added. “We are looking forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements together.”