Dear Denison Class of 2025 Families,

Congratulations to you and your student on their upcoming graduation! We are thrilled to welcome you and your family back to campus this May to celebrate the many accomplishments of your 2025 graduating senior. Below you will find important details on Commencement events to assist you in preparing for this exciting experience.

Warm wishes,

Julie Tucker ’09
Director of Family Engagement & the Denison Professional Network

Sara Stasko
Associate Director of Family Engagement & the Denison Professional Network 

Tuesday, May 13 - Friday, May 16

Graduating Denisonians participate in multiple receptions, celebrations, and class activities organized by academic departments, student organizations, Student Life, and Alumni & Family Engagement.

Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Friday, May 16

Hosted by the Alumni and Family Engagement Office, the Legacy Lunch celebrates Denison alumni families and their graduating seniors.

4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 16, Swasey Chapel

Denison’s Baccalaureate service provides graduating seniors with an opportunity to reflect on their educational experience, share gratitude, and receive a blessing as they move forward into postgraduate life.

7 - 11 p.m.
Friday, May 16, Reese~Shackelford Common

Senior Soirée is a social celebration with live music, dancing, food trucks, and a bar for seniors and their families.

9 a.m.
Saturday, May 17

Gather for coffee and conversation as your student introduces you to the faculty and staff who made a difference in their educational experience.

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, Mitchell Center Fieldhouse

Denison University’s 184th Commencement exercises celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. The event will include a keynote speaker, remarks by Denison President Adam Weinberg and a member of the Class of 2025, and more. For those unable to attend, the Commencement Ceremonies will be recorded and posted to our website. No tickets are required to attend Commencement exercises.

Most families arrive Thursday evening or Friday morning so that they can take full advantage of Friday and Saturday’s Commencement events.

Seating in the Mitchell Center Field House is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors to the venue will open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, and graduation will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. All lower-level seating in the Mitchell Center Field House is accessible by wheelchair.

Graduation Foto, the event photographer, will email graduates directly at their Denison address and provide proofs and purchasing information. Please visit graduationfoto.com for more information. Family members can take photos in a designated area near the stage.

Guests are welcome to park in any campus parking space. All parking is free. A limited number of disability spaces will be held in the parking garage and at the Mitchell Center. Shuttles will run on Saturday to provide transportation between parking areas and event venues. See a campus map.

As a reminder, President’s Drive will be closed. Don’t worry — there are still plenty of ways to access campus, including through the East Gate on N. Pearl Street and the West Gate via Burg Street. Signs will be out to direct you. You can find more information on the Commencement webpage.

For an updated list of lodging in Granville and the surrounding area, visit our accommodations webpage. Please be aware that popular local inns and hotels often are booked well in advance.

Depending on the day’s temperature, the Mitchell Center may be warm — please dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather.

All graduates must move out of their residence hall rooms by 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. To facilitate a more efficient departure after Commencement and so that you and your family can spend the day celebrating this special occasion, as opposed to packing, we recommend planning ahead.

Residential Communities & Housing will send out additional instructions on move out later this spring. We encourage you to work ahead with your senior on a plan that allows you to be fully prepared and maximize Commencement celebrations.