Commencement Week 2026
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
Thursday, May 14: |
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Gehner House and Joe McNabb House opens for Guest Lodging 12pm For registered guests at our dorm housing: 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 House Manager contact signage posted at the Information Booth. |
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International Student Speeches Location: Wanamaker Hall 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm A memorable once-a-year opportunity! Graduating international senior students receive their stoles and share their gratitude and experiences during their time at Principia College. This event will be livestreamed. |
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Senior BBQ Location: Chapel Green 6:00 – 7:45 pm Time for some award-winning St Louis BBQ as well as some international favorites! Graduates and their families are warmly invited to our special Senior BBQ dinner on the Chapel Green. Vegan and Vegetarian options available too. Rain Location: Howard Center Dining Room |
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The 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. This event is livestreamed. |
Friday
FRIDAY, May 15: |
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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. This event will be livestreamed. |
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Student Commencement Rehearsal - GRADUATES ONLY Location: Cox Auditorium & School of Government Terrace 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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 contribution from our organist, Baccalaureate choir and orchestra add a spiritual and serene atmosphere, enhancing the ceremony's meaning. This event will be livestreamed. |
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Free Pub Shakes Location: Pub Patio at Howard Center 9:00 pm Live Jazz music on the Pub patio and free Pub Shakes! |
Saturday
SATURDAY, MAY 16: |
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Pancakes with the President Location: HOLT GALLERY in School of Nations 8:30 – 10am Watch out for flying pancakes! Graduates and their families are invited to join us for a special complimentary breakfast where 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 other breakfast foods - plus loads of fun as we celebrate Commencement day! |
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Buffet Lunch for purchase Location: Concourse 11:15 am – 1:00 pm |
Doors Open to Cox Auditorium 1:00 pm |
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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. |
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Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026 Location: Cox Auditorium 2:00 pm Livestream Link |
Process to Chapel Green for Celebration 3:30 pm |
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Celebration on the Green Location: Chapel Green 3:30 – 5pm Light refreshments served *Rain Location: Holt Gallery, School of Nations |
Sunday
SUNDAY, MAY 17 |
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Church Service Location: Chapel 10:45 – 11:45 am |
