Co-Salutatorians Jessica Muckensturm '25 and Grace Mackey '25 walk away from stage after the Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025

Information about Graduation

Graduation News

Greetings, Class of 2026!

This is the place to find helpful information for Blackburn’s graduation weekend ceremonies. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shawna Poe, Chief of Staff.

  • FRIDAY, MAY 15
    • 10:00 am – Commencement Rehearsal (Dawes Gymnasium)
    • 7:00 pm – Senior Convocation (Bothwell Auditorium)
  • SATURDAY, MAY 16
    • 8:00 am – Senior Send-Off Breakfast (Jaenke Alumni Center)
      *If you plan to attend, please reserve your spot no later than May 10.
    • 9:30 am – Robing and Photos (Clegg Chapel)
    • 10:30 am – 157th Commencement (Hudson Quad)
  • SUNDAY, MAY 17
    • 12:00 pm – Must be moved out of campus housing (residence halls)

This page will grow as more information becomes available, so please check frequently! For now, you can find our helpful FAQ’s below.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please email Dianna Ruyle to let her know if you plan to participate in Blackburn’s Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026.

2026 Commencement Speaker

Kahindo Mateene '99

Blackburn College has announced that alumna Kahindo Mateene ’99, an award-winning fashion designer and entrepreneur, will deliver the keynote address at the College’s 157th Commencement ceremony. Mateene, founder of the fashion brand KAHINDO, is known for bold occasion wear that blends African heritage with modern design. A 1999 Blackburn graduate, she gained national recognition on Project Runway and has seen her designs carried by major retailers including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Anthropologie, while being featured in publications including Vogue, WWD, The New York Times, Elle, Essence, and Marie Claire.

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions about Commencement Weekend

To walk across the stage at Commencement, you must have a cap and gown.  It is recommended that you order from Herff-Jones using the following links:

You must order cap and gown before April 12, 2026.

While it is recommended that you order from Herff-Jones so all the graduates will look the same, you may use another source if you wish.

There will be a professional photographer at the graduation events taking headshots of all the graduates and photos as you come off the stage after receiving your diploma. They will also have a “group” photo made from the headshots. If you want to order any of these professional photos, Blackburn will have it’s own QR code that will be provided the day of Commencement.

You are NOT required to order photos, but you are required to have your picture taken.

Announcements and invitations can be ordered from Herff-Jones at herffjones.com.

Academic dress is appropriate clothing worn under academic cap and gown with no additional decoration on the gowns, except official pins and/or cords from recognized honorary societies. This applies to both Commencement and Senior Convocation.

You may tastefully decorate your cap. Shawna Poe, Chief of Staff, reserves the right to deny a cap.

At rehearsal we will:

  • Hand out information about ordering pictures.
  • Hear important announcements from various campus offices regarding diplomas, events, etc.
  • Line you up in the exact order you will march in for Commencement.
  • Go over the steps you will follow as you process into the Commencement site with your classmates.
  • Practice entering the rows so you will be in the right order to receive your diploma.
  • Practice crossing the stage individually so you will know what to expect at Commencement.
  • Make sure we have the correct pronunciation of your name so it will be announced correctly as you cross the stage at Commencement.
  • Answer questions and concerns you may have.

Clearly, Rehearsal is extremely important, so it is MANDATORY!

Senior Convocation is a student-focused celebration for the graduates, their friends and families. Students, faculty, and staff will attend without formal regalia. Graduates will process and sit with their classmates. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND. If you have an unavoidable conflict, you must contact the College Marshal.

Senior Convocation, Friday, May 15 at 7:00 pm in Bothwell Auditorium. (Guests should arrive early)

Commencement, Saturday, May 16 at 10:30 am on the Hudson Quad (or in the Gym in case of rain). Guests should arrive early.

You can find live stream recordings and digital programs from recent past Commencement ceremonies in our past event archive.