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
![Skinner Hall of Music [exterior]](/sites/default/files/2021-11/0103_15_10_TT_5661-Skinner.jpg)
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