The College is excited to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 alongside their family, friends, mentors, faculty, and staff.
The 17³Ô¹ÏÍø will celebrate its 179th Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2025 on Friday, May 23, 2025. Families will be invited to join us in Worcester for events beginning Thursday, May 22. See the listing of confirmed events below. Please note, a complete listing of events will be available in the spring semester.
Schedule of Events
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025
Senior Portraits
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Â
Fenwick Hall Porch
Photographer Robert Carlin will be on campus to capture professional photos of you and your classmates in your academic regalia on the historic Commencement Porch, located at the front of Fenwick Hall. Photos will be available for free download. Please note, these are not the same as the yearbook photos.
Awards CeremonyÂ
12:30 p.m.
Dinand Library, Main Reading Room
Senior Academic Awards and Prizes will be presented by Sarah Petty, dean for the Class of 2025, and the Presidential Service Awards will be presented by President Vincent D. Rougeau, assisted by Michele C. Murray, Senior Vice President for Student Development and Mission. This event will be available via livestream.
Baccalaureate Mass
3 p.m.
This annual liturgy of celebration, blessing, and thanksgiving is open to all seniors, their families, and guests. All faith traditions and beliefs are most welcome and there is no limit to the number of guests who may attend. Members of our Jesuit community will preside and preach, while students, faculty, and staff of the College will serve as our ministers and musicians. This event will be available via livestream.
Last Sunset on the Hill
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Members of the Class of 2025 and their families are invited to gather and enjoy one final sunset on the Hill. The event will include live music, light food, and refreshments. Initially, each graduate is allowed a ticket for themselves and up to two guests. After registration closes, remaining tickets will become available on a first come, first serve basis. There is no cost to attend this event.Â
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025
179th Commencement ExercisesÂ
10:15 a.m.
DCU Center
The College will celebrate the 179th Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2025 with graduates and guests. Please join Vincent D. Rougeau, president of the College, in honoring the achievements of our graduates. There will be no limit to the number of guests that may attend the Commencement ceremony. More details about tickets will be available in the spring semester.
Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. and seating is on a first come, first serve basis. The procession of graduates will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. The ceremony is expected to be approximately two- and-a-half hours. This event will also be available via livestream.
Commencement Reception
Immediately following the ceremony
DCU Center Convention Hall
Graduates and their guests will have the opportunity to celebrate with faculty and staff. A light fare menu will be served.Â
On-Campus Housing and Hotel Accommodations
We advise guests to book hotels early. Here is a list of College partner hotels.
A limited number of on-campus rooms will be made available for family housing on Thursday, May 22. Rooms will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations will not be open until the spring semester. Please note, we are not able to accommodate early or late arrivals in family on-campus housing.
Additional Information
Commencement Photos
During the Commencement ceremony, will be photographing graduates. Each graduate will have their photo taken with the president as they cross the stage, and also once they exit the stage. Proofs of these will be available after the ceremony. You will be able to purchase prints and/or digital copies of the images.
Local Restaurants
Please note: dinner will not be available on campus Thursday evening; however, there are a few reception options with light fare. Worcester has many wonderful restaurants. Visit for a listing of local options. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Residence Hall Move Out
Graduates are expected to move out of the residence halls by 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Residence Life and Housing will provide more details about this process to graduates in the spring semester. Contact reslife@holycross.edu or 508-793-2411 with any questions.
Hometown Publicity
The College will create and distribute a press release to the hometown news outlets, high schools and local elected officials of every 2025 graduate. See the Merit Pages FAQ for more detailed information.
Questions?
Please check out the frequently asked questions section of the Commencement website or contact us commence@holycross.edu or 508-793-3475.