A celebration of learning, transformation, and shared traditions.
Welcome to Yale’s 325th Commencement, marking the culmination of students’ academic journeys and the beginnings of new chapters. These ceremonies continue a centuries-long tradition, marking a proud and memorable milestone as our graduates join the community of Yale alumni.
Commencement Weekend
Baccalaureate
Sunday May 17 10 am Old Campus
Class Day
Sunday May 17 2 pm Old Campus
Commencement
Monday May 18 10:30 am Old Campus
Commencement Traditions
Yale College Class Day
Class Day is a celebratory ceremony by and for the graduating seniors. Featuring an address by a prominent speaker, student performances, conferral of prizes, and traditions new and old, it reflects the shared experiences and spirit of the class while marking the close of undergraduate life.
Academic Procession
The Commencement academic procession is a formal tradition in which faculty, administrators, and honored guests, dressed in academic regalia, process into the ceremony, symbolizing the university’s history, scholarly community, and the conferral of degrees.
Honorary Degrees
The conferral of honorary degrees is a time-honored tradition of Yale Commencement, recognizing individuals of exceptional achievement. Through these degrees, the university honors contributions to society, scholarship, and the arts in the presence of graduating students and distinguished guests.
Honorary Degree Recipients
“E Pluribus Unum, our statement of national purpose, is a reminder to us that diversity matters.”
Kurt Schmoke ’71 BA Doctor of Laws
“No plan beats remaining open to the opportunities you weren’t expecting.”
Kwame Anthony Appiah Doctor of Humanities
“Take the lead, keep the lead!”
Katie Ledecky Doctor of Humane Letters
“Engage in a regular practice of self-assessment to investigate where a gap has emerged between your core values and your actions. This is as important in tranquil times as it is when you feel unsettled.”
Ingrid Mattson Doctor of Divinity
“Remember to sustain the complexity of the world. Bear witness. Be present. Be responsible. Be alert. Be compassionate. Be human. There is enough space in this world for a multitude of narratives, and once you embrace the beauty and singularity of your individual voice you will not be threatened by that of others.”
Lynn Nottage ’89 MFA Doctor of Letters
“You are inheriting a polarized, fragmented, unequal, self-centered America that you did not cause. The same was true of America 125 years ago, but then American Democracy was saved by America's youth. Only you, acting together, can save our democracy today.”
Robert D. Putnam ’65 MA, ’70 PhD Doctor of Social Science
“Focus on the positive. Pursue your passions with curiosity and persistence.”
JoAnne Stubbe Doctor of Science
“Dios te dió dos manos: una para alcanzar las estrellas de tus sueños, y otra para elevar a los demás y a la siguiente generación a volar aún más alto.” - Rosa Rodriguez
English Translation: God gave you two hands: one to reach the stars of your dreams, and the other to lift up others and the next generation to soar even higher.
