Commencement
Each year, Principia College offers its heartfelt congratulations to our successful graduates. The president, deans, faculty, families, friends, staff, and alumni gather together for a very special graduation event, celebrating the achievements of our graduates and confirming the conferral of their academic degrees. Please join us for our 2026 celebration.
Commencement 2026
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Cox Auditorium
Principia College Campus
COMMENCEMENT WEEK 2026
*Our Commencement Week 2026 is still being finalized. Check back occasionally for updates!
While on campus during Commencement, digital signage in public areas will have exclusive Commencement calendar updates. Also, students can check their Prin App as well for schedule and updates.
Thursday, May 14:
Gehner House opens for Guest Lodging 12pm
For registered guests at both Gehner and Joe McNabb Houses: From 12 - 5:45 pm, you may pick up your Commencement information at the Information Booth, located in the Concourse of the Howard Center. Your room key will be in your room. After 5:45 pm, please refer to the contact signage posted at the Information Booth.
International Student Speeches
Location: Wanamaker Hall 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm
A memorable once-a-year opportunity! Graduating international senior students share their gratitude and experiences at Principia College.
Senior BBQ
Location: Chapel Green 6:00 – 7:45 pm
Time for some award-winning St Louis BBQ from SugarFire Smoke House BBQ! Graduates and their families are warmly invited to our special Senior BBQ dinner on the Chapel Green.
Rain Location: Howard Center Dining Room
Senior Arts Showcase
Location: McVay Center for Performing Arts 8:00 pm
A wonderful showcase of performing and visual art featuring graduating students. A dessert reception in the foyer of McVay follows the showcase.
FRIDAY, May 15:
Student Awards Ceremony
Location: Cox Auditorium 10:00 am – 11:30 am
The awards ceremony celebrates the academic, athletic, and student life achievements of our students as well as recognizes faculty honors and awards.
Student Commencement Rehearsal - GRADUATES ONLY
Location: Cox Auditorium & School of Government Terrace Hall 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Mandatory attendance for all graduates.
Students should gather in Cox Auditorium and then practice line up on Terrace level of School of Government for actual graduation rehearsal. Attendance of all graduates is required in order to participate in Commencement on Saturday.
Family & Friends Gratitude Session
Location: Chapel 1:00 - 2:00 pm
For parents/guardians, friends and families! This is a time to come together and hear heartwarming stories of gratitude from parents, etc. on the impact that the Principia College experience has had on their graduate. This is truly an incredible hour not to be missed.
President’s Reception
Location: Hutchinson House 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Everyone is warmly invited to Hutchinson House to meet this year’s Commencement speaker, the college President, Principia's Chief Executive and other members of college administration. Enjoy light refreshments plus sweeping river views from the back yard.
* Rain location is Howard Center Dining Room
Baccalaureate Ceremony
Location: Cox Auditorium 8:00 – 9:00 pm
The Baccalaureate Ceremony is a significant and uplifting event that provides an inspirational setting for our commencement activities. At this special service, four seniors, who have been selected by the graduating class, address the community and guests. The musical contributions from our organist and choir add a spiritual and serene atmosphere, enhancing the ceremony's meaning.
Free Pub Shakes
Location: Pub Patio at Howard Center 9:00 pm
Jazz music on the Pub patio and free Pub Shakes!
SATURDAY, MAY 16:
Pancakes with the President
Location: Pub Patio 8:30 – 10am (Rain Location: Holt Gallery)
Watch out for flying pancakes! Graduates and their families are invited to join us for a special breakfast where interim President Madden, along with other special guests from the administration team, will be showcasing their pancake-flipping skills. Expect stacks of fluffy pancakes, syrupy sweetness, and loads of fun as we celebrate Commencement day!
Buffet Lunch for purchase
Location: Concourse 11:15 am – 1:00 pm
Doors Open to Cox Auditorium 1:00 pm
Procession Line-Up School of Government 1:30 – 1:50 pm
Faculty, Staff, Graduates: All commencement participants line up and begin the march at 1:57 pm. Faculty line-up on the main level of the School of Government. Graduates line up on Terrace Level.
Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025
Location: Cox Auditorium 2:00 pm
Livestream Link: TBD
Process to Chapel Green for Celebration 3:30 pm
Celebration on the Green
Location: Chapel Green 3:30 – 5pm
Light refreshments served
*Rain Location: Holt Gallery, School of Nations
SUNDAY, MAY 17
Church Service
Location: Chapel 10:45 – 11:45 am
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Get more details about on- and off-campus lodging here.