Commencement Headquarters: What you need to know about Centre’s 201st Commencement
From speakers to the weekend schedule, find the most up-to-date information on Centre College’s 201st Commencement weekend below.
The Class of 2024 has 305 students preparing to graduate, representing 30 states and six countries. The class arrived at Centre four years ago amid a global pandemic — international students in the graduating class began their college careers studying remotely.
Athletes comprised nearly half of the class, despite athletics being on hold for the fall semester of their first year on campus. It is through that adversity that the 2024 class was built — and thrived — at Centre.
“The 2024 graduating class represents the values we hold dear at Centre,” said College President Milton C. Moreland. “Perseverance. Leadership. Creativity. And now these graduates will join the ranks of high achievers in Centre’s robust alumni network.”
More than a quarter of the class entered as first-generation scholars, showcasing the College’s commitment to access and affordability. The top majors for the class: economics and finance, biology, psychology, politics, behavioral neuroscience and history.
Of the graduates, 235 students studied abroad or away at least once during their four years at Centre. Of those, more than 20 percent of students studied abroad or away two or more times.
Read on for more of the most-asked questions surrounding Commencement 2024. View the full commencement program here.
Who is speaking?
Centre College is pleased to announce the Honorable Matthew Barzun as the 2024 Commencement speaker, a former U.S. ambassador and business leader.
Rev. Kerry Mansir ‘99, the first woman to be ordained as priest at the historic Christ Church in Gardiner, Maine, will be the featured speaker of Baccalaureate services. Read more about each speaker here.
What time do commencement events take place?
Saturday, May 18
4 p.m.
Baccalaureate Ceremony, Newlin Hall, Norton Center for the Arts
General Admission
5 p.m.
Dinner on the Lawn, Susie Miller Roush Lawn
Tickets required: $18 per adult, $12 per child under 12, Free for children under 3.
7 p.m.
Honor Walk, Behind Old Centre
Registration required.
Sunday, May 19
10 a.m.
Commencement Ceremony, Newlin Hall, Norton Center for the Arts
Tickets required: Limit 4 per student.
*Overflow live-stream viewing available in Weisiger Theatre for those without tickets.
12 p.m.
Commencement Lunch, Susie Miller Roush Lawn
Tickets required: $15 per person, Free for children under 3.
How can I watch the Centre College Commencement online?
To view simulcasts of both the Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies, visit Commencement Headquarters.
Do you have any helpful commencement tips?
Where to park? Where to stay? Where to eat? We’ve got you covered!
Where can I get commencement pictures?
Professional photographer Kirk Schlea will capture graduates’ photos when they cross the stage to receive their diplomas. Order Commencement Weekend photography here.
Follow Commencement weekend coverage on Centre social media — and share your photos with us using #CentreGrad24:
