2023 Weekend & Traditions

Thursday, May 18

3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Sigma Xi

Villard Room, College Center: By invitation only

Friday, May 19

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Native American and Indigenous Graduation Stole Ceremony

Francis Lehman Loeb Art Center, Sculpture Garden

Alums of Native American and Indigenous descent will present identifying senior graduates with stoles 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.

4:15 p.m.–5:15 p.m.

Transitions Reception

Villard Room, College Center

We will celebrate the Transitions Class of 2023 with students, families, and supporters! Refreshments will be served and cords will be distributed.

5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Phi Beta Kappa Reception

Gordon Commons 2nd Floor, By Invitation Only

Saturday, May 20

10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Awarding of Prizes

Skinner Recital Hall

Tamar M. Thibodeau

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.

12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.

Latinx Student Union (LSU) Stole Ceremony

Susan Stein Shiva Theater

Alums of Latinx descent will present graduating Latinx identifying seniors with a stole 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.

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

AAAVC Kente Cloth Ceremony

The Chapel

Members of the African American Alumnae/i of Vassar College (AAAVC) will celebrate with Black seniors and their families at the 30th Annual Kente Cloth ceremony. Alums will officially welcome the seniors to the alum community as they bestow Kente cloths to be worn with caps and gowns at Commencement.

1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

Performances by Vassar College A Cappella Groups

Lehman Loeb Art Center

2:45 p.m.–3:45 p.m.

Asian Pacific Islander (API) Graduation Ceremony

Villard Room, College Center

Alums of Asian and Pacific descent will present identifying senior graduates with a red satin stole to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement. This ceremony marks the seniors’ transition to the world outside Vassar and welcomes them to the alumnae/i community.

2:30 p.m.–3:15 p.m.

Commencement Concert

Skinner Hall of Music

An annual tribute to the graduating seniors presented by the Music Department Faculty.

4:00 p.m.—5:30 p.m.

Baccalaureate Service

The Chapel

Sponsored and planned by the Council of ALANA Seniors (formerly CBS) 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.

5:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.

Affinity Reception

Tent on Noyes Circle

Graduating seniors and their families attending AAAVC Kente Cloth, Asian-Asian American/Pacific Islander, Baccalaureate, Latinx, Native American/Indigenous and Transitions affinity ceremonies are invited to join in this collective celebratory reception.

6:30 p.m.

Posse Veteran Program Graduation Ceremony

Vassar Veterans Graduation Ceremony

Alumnae House: By invitation only

Posse Foundation staff, faculty, College administrators, and family will offer congratulations to graduating veterans and present them with red/white/blue cords to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement.

8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Champagne Reception

Bridge Building

Sponsored by the Class of 2023 & The Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC). Bring your family and friends to enjoy champagne, light desserts and dancing!

Sunday, May 21

10:00 a.m.

Vassar College’s 159th Commencement Ceremony

Outdoor Amphitheater

Reception immediately following the ceremony on Noyes Circle