The Countdown to Commencement Begins!
It’s a Season Full of Fun for Graduating Students
The commencement season is full of exciting events for Shenandoah University’s graduating students. It’s a time for making memories at everything from a graduation kickoff and spring formal to Grad Bash, Baccalaureate and so much more!
Just take a look at what’s happening this year:
April 29 | 8-10 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room Seniors, the countdown to graduation is on! Start your celebrations at the 25 to 25 Graduation Countdown Kickoff, which marks the final stretch of your college journey. Enjoy a night of great music from a live DJ, delicious food, and refreshing drinks (beer, wine, soda) while capturing unforgettable moments at themed photo stations in the Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room. This is your chance to celebrate with friends, soak in the excitement, and make new lasting memories before the big day. RSVP by April 22, to reserve your two drink tickets! Questions? Email Alex Johnson at alexandra.johnson@su.edu.
May 7 | 5-8 p.m. | Smith Library, Third Floor Want to make sure your cap stands out at graduation? Head to the third floor of Smith Library for decorating, inspiration, and reminiscing. Bring your supplies, (and plenty of additional supplies will be provided), to make your cap as individual as you are! Questions? Email Holli Phillips at hphillip@su.edu.
May 10 | 8 – 11 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center Spend a night at Shenandoah’s fourth annual Spring Formal dance in the Wilkins Athletics and Events Center (WAEC)! All undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. Two complimentary drink tickets will be provided for attendees over the age of 21; picture ID is required. RSVP in advance. Questions? Email Autumn Pryor at autumn.pryor@su.edu.
May 15 | 10-11 p.m. | Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room Get ready, seniors! It’s time to celebrate your journey with your favorite campus tradition – a bingo night just for the graduating class. Enjoy a night of friendly competition and exciting prizes while making one more unforgettable memory before graduation. Don’t miss out — this is a celebration you won’t want to miss! RSVP by May 14, to save your seat! Questions? Email CAN at can@su.edu.
May 19 | 9-11 p.m. | Allen Dining Hall It’s one of Shenandoah’s most beloved traditions – a delicious breakfast spread served to you by Shenandoah’s faculty and staff the night before finals! Whether you come alone or bring all of your friends, good vibes, free food and a DJ will be waiting to get you pumped for finals week. Questions? Email Alex Johnson at alexandra.johnson@su.edu.
May 22 | 5-7 p.m. | Wilkins Athletics & Events Center Lawn Celebrate your upcoming graduation at Grad Bash! Immediately following the graduate walkthrough (about 5 p.m.), enjoy free music, food, drinks and games on the lawn of the WAEC. 2025 graduates receive two free drink tickets (cash bar also available). Those who register by Monday, May 19, will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a diploma frame! This event is free for all.
May 23 | 11 a.m. | Armstrong Concert Hall Baccalaureate is a time to gather in community with loved ones to pause and reflect during the whirlwind that is graduation in Armstrong Concert Hall and on Zoom. The baccalaureate tradition comes from Christianity, but — in Shenandoah fashion — extends far beyond to include many religious, secular, and spiritual identities. The service features student leaders offering their gifts, talents, and skills to highlight moments, big and small, that made their time at SU meaningful and impactful while their community cheers them on. As those who will forever be the descendants of the stars, celebrate the opportunity to treasure the moments that will matter for life. All are invited and encouraged to attend this important Shenandoah tradition. For more information, contact DeLyn Celec at spirituallife@su.edu.
