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57th Annual Commencement

Friday, May 16, 2025, 4:00 p.m.

Physical Education Building

Reception to follow

 

Student Speaker, Singer, and Signer:

We are seeking applications from members of the graduating Class of 2025 interested in being the student speaker at Commencement. Applications are due by Friday, February 28, 2025. 

We are also seeking students interested in singing or signing the national anthem. If interested, please contact Vicki Brown by March 1, 2025.

Graduation Application:

If you are planning on graduating, please be sure to complete the online Graduation Application form. The completed graduation application should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office no later than Friday, April 11. Applications will continue to be accepted after April 11; however, the names of graduates who submit applications after April 11 may not be included in the graduation program, news release, and Class of 2025 t-shirts.

Grad Fair: Your One-Stop Celebration!

Monday, April 21, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Library Building Lobby

Stop by the Grad Fair to wrap up everything you need for the big day.

  • Pick up your cap, gown, honors stoles, PTK cords & guest tickets
  • Get career & transfer advice, set up LinkedIn, and request transcripts
  • Snap pics at the photo booth, enjoy music & grab some free food!

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate and get graduation-ready—all in one place! See you there! 

Commencement Regalia: Caps, gowns, and honors stoles/cords are free and can be picked up at the Grad Fair on April 21 or in the Bookstore from Monday, April 21 through Friday, May 2. Bookstore hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. You will be fitted for your cap and gown at pick-up, and a photo ID will be required. If you are unable to pick up your regalia, contact the Bookstore at (315) 866-1550 or benjamikl@herkimer.edu by Friday, April 25 to make special arrangements.

Honors Stoles and Cords: The following academic honor accouterments will be provided to eligible graduating students:

  • Graduates with a cumulative 3.8 GPA or higher (as of completion of Winter 2024 semester) are entitled to wear a gold honors stole distributed to eligible graduates with regalia. If you do not receive an honors stole with your regalia, and you believe you are eligible, contact the Registrar’s office at (315) 574-4037 or registrar@herkimer.edu to confirm your eligibility.
  • Phi Theta Kappa members in good standing will receive blue/gold cords with regalia.  
  • Honors Program graduates are eligible to wear gold cords, available through the Honors program coordinator.

Honors stoles and cords will not be available for pickup the day of Commencement.

Guest Tickets:  Guest tickets are limited to 4 per graduate and will be distributed to graduates with regalia. If additional tickets become available, a notification will be sent to all graduates via email and text.

  • Each guest entering the gymnasium will be required to present a ticket.
  • Children ages 3 and up are required to have tickets. Children under 3 without tickets must sit on a lap. (Due to limited space, strollers are discouraged.)
  • Seating in the gymnasium is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Most seating is bleacher style.
  • Special seating for guests with mobility difficulties will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Animals, backpacks, and other large bags are not allowed in the building.
  • Please note the gymnasium can get warm, so please dress accordingly.

Live Stream:  For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available at www.herkimer.edu/commencement.

Special Needs:  Graduates in need of special accommodations must notify the Office of Marketing and Communications no later than Monday, March 31 at (315)-574-4026 or ruffingrj@herkimer.edu.

Commencement Line-Up:  Graduates should report to the Technology Center by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, so proper marching order can be arranged. Late arrivals may not be permitted to participate in the ceremony. Graduates will be lined up alphabetically in order of major, and then by last name. Please bring your regalia with you, and refrain from bringing purses and other valuables, as there is not a secure place to store them during the ceremony.

Photography:  The College has contracted with Genesee Photo to take photos of each graduate as they receive their diplomas. Proofs will be available on Genesee Photo's website within a few weeks of the ceremony. We recommend you pre-register to receive notifications via email regarding proofs. For more information and to pre-register: https://www2.geneseephoto.com/Grad/Welcome

Flowers:  Commencement flowers may be purchased online in advance. Online orders may be picked up at the florist’s kiosk at the entrance to the ceremony. Flowers will also be sold on-site at the same prices, but ordering ahead guarantees your selection of color/size. To order: www.commencementflowers.com/herkimer.

Class of 2025 T-Shirts:  T-shirts featuring graduates’ names (for those who submitted a grad app by April 10) may be ordered in advance here: www.thecommencementgroup.com/herkimer/  T-shirts may also be purchased at the ceremony entrance. The cost is $36 and credit cards, debit cards, Apply Pay and Tap will be accepted.

Diplomas:  You will receive a diploma cover only at Commencement. Diplomas will be mailed in July to all graduates whose degree requirements have been met.

Questions:

Congratulations on your graduation!