Weekend & Traditions (Tentative Schedule)
Events held during Commencement weekend are open to all students and their families to attend and participate. As part of the registration process, all graduates will be afforded the opportunity to identify the events they and their families are most interested in attending. Your interest and contact information will be shared with event organizers who will reach out to share additional information. We welcome and encourage your engagement in all of Vassar’s long-standing traditions and celebrations.
Lavender Cord Reception
Contact Julian Vela, Director of the LGBTQ Center (jvela@vassar.edu) for details.
The Lavender Cord Reception honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer students, and their allies. LGBTQ graduates will be presented with lavender cords provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement.
TBA
Thursday, May 21, 2026
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Delta Alpha Pi Induction Ceremony
Aula, Ely Hall
Delta Alpha Pi is an international academic honor society founded to recognize high-achieving students with disabilities. Over 200 chapters celebrate and support academic achievement, leadership and advocacy for students with disabilities. This ceremony will honor invited, eligible members and their invited guests to celebrate their current and future accomplishments.
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Sigma Xi Induction Ceremony
Aula, Ely Hall
Sigma Xi is an international scientific research honor society dating back to 1886. It is one of the oldest and largest scientific organizations in the world. This ceremony will honor invited, eligible members and their invited guests to celebrate their current and future accomplishments to science, technology, and engineering.
Friday, May 22, 2026
1:30–2:30 p.m.
First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program Cord Ceremony
Villard Room, Main Building
We will celebrate the First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program (formerly the Transitions Program) Senior Class with students, families, and supporters! Refreshments will be served and cords provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) will be distributed to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement.
4:15–5:15 p.m.
Native American and Indigenous Stole Ceremony
Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center
Sponsored and planned by the Campus Activities Office, Office of Student Growth & Engagement, the ALANA Center, and alums of Native American and Indigenous descent. Graduating seniors will be presented with stoles provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement. This ceremony marks the seniors’ transition to the world outside Vassar and welcomes them into the ranks of the alums.
5:45–6:30 p.m.
Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony
Villard Room, Main Building
Since 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has been regarded as one of the most prestigious honor societies. Invited, eligible graduates will be inducted at this ceremony, and their invited guests are able to attend to celebrate their current and future contributions to the arts and sciences.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Awarding of Prizes
The Chapel
Presented by the Dean of the College and the Dean of Studies. The senior prize recipients will be awarded scholarship prizes and awards. Recipients will be notified in advance.
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Tent on Chapel Lawn
The President’s Office will hold a welcoming reception with light refreshments for families and graduates. Attendees are strongly urged to attend the Baccalaureate Service immediately following. Graduates participating in Baccalaureate Service may robe in the Chapel Tower Foyer.
12:15–1:30 p.m.
Baccalaureate Service
The Chapel
Sponsored and planned by the Council of ALANA Seniors student organization. A celebration, rooted in traditions of the African diaspora, of faith and spirituality in recognition of academic achievement. Open to the entire community of graduates and families.
1:45–2:45 p.m.
Latiné Sarape Ceremony
Villard Room, Main Building
Sponsored and planned by the Campus Activities Office, Office of Student Growth & Engagement, the ALANA Center, and alums of Latiné descent. Graduates will receive a sarape provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement. This ceremony brings the Vassar community and families together to celebrate the seniors’ transition to the world outside Vassar and welcomes them into the ranks of the alums.
1:30–5:00 p.m.
Performances by Vassar College A Cappella Groups
The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Sculpture Garden
2:30–3:15 p.m.
Commencement Concert
Skinner Hall of Music
An annual tribute to the graduating seniors presented by the Music Department Faculty.
3:00–4:00 p.m.
African American Alumnae/i of Vassar College (AAAVC) Kente Cloth Ceremony
The Aula, Ely Hall
The Vassar community, families, and members of the African American Alumnae/i of Vassar College (AAAVC) will celebrate with seniors. Alums will officially welcome seniors to the alum community as they bestow kente cloths provided as a gift to be worn with caps and gowns at Commencement.
4:15–5:15 p.m.
Asian, Asian-American, Pacific Islander Stole Ceremony
The Martel Theater, in the Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film
Sponsored and planned by the Campus Activities Office, Office of Student Growth & Engagement, the ALANA Center, and alums and students of Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander descent. Graduates will receive a red satin stole provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement. This ceremony brings the Vassar community and families together to celebrate the seniors’ transition to the world outside Vassar and welcomes them to the alum community.
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP) Reception
Pratt House
Sponsored and planned by the Office of RSLCP. This gathering is another way for graduates and their families to mark this liminal moment, as your time at Vassar comes to a close and a new path opens before you. We invite people to walk the labyrinth, reflect and celebrate together. All are welcome.
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Vassar Military Cord Ceremony
Alumnae House
Vassar community members and families will gather to offer congratulations and celebrate graduating veterans and active duty military. Each graduating senior will be presented with red/white/blue cords provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement.
8:00–10:00 p.m.
Champagne Reception
Tent on Chapel Lawn
Sponsored by the Class of 2025 and the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC). Remarks begin at 8:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends to enjoy champagne and light desserts.
Sunday, May 24, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Vassar College’s 162nd Commencement Ceremony
Outdoor Amphitheater
Reception immediately following Commencement exercises on Chapel Lawn