Commencement

In this section

Congratulations!

You’ve worked hard and experienced the many highs and lows of earning a college degree. Now, you take more steps along God’s path. This day isn’t simply the end of your studies. Commencement marks the beginning of the next chapter of your life’s journey. May this celebration of your remarkable achievement be rich with God’s blessings for you and your family.

Commencement Details

Baccalaureate Mass

Friday, May 1, 2026: The Baccalaureate Mass will be offered at 5 p.m. in the North Campus Auditorium at the University of Saint Francis. The Mass will be immediately followed by an hors d’oeuvres reception where graduates and families are invited to celebrate their accomplishments with university administration, faculty, and staff.
At Baccalaureate Mass, we begin our graduation celebrations by giving thanks to God and asking for His blessing upon the graduates. Graduates of any degree-type and their families are welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of faith tradition.

Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 2, 2026: Commencement Ceremony is at 2 p.m. at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
Graduating students should arrive between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. with gown and cap.
Whether you graduated in the summer, fall, or spring, you are invited to join us and walk in this special celebration.
All listed times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST), the time zone applicable to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Commencement Speaker & Honorary Degree Recipient

The commencement speaker is yet to be announced.

Day of Commencement Details

Graduation Details

Graduation Celebration Details: Fort Wayne

Spring and Summer Degree Completers: To be determined.

Graduation Celebration Details: Crown Point

Spring and Summer Degree Completers: To be determined.

Student Resources

The Baccalaureate Mass is an integral part of Graduation Day. Graduating students should arrive to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by 9 a.m. in their gowns and caps for the Academic Procession. Mass will last approximately an hour. This provides ample time for graduates and their guests to enjoy lunch before arriving at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for the 2:00 p.m. Commencement Ceremony, to which graduates must arrive between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. for check-in and placement in the Academic Procession.

Baccalaureate Mass

Graduates and their families and friends, regardless of religion, are warmly welcomed and highly encouraged to participate in this service of thanksgiving in the North Campus Auditorium at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Mass will be immediately followed by an hors d’oeuvres reception.

Ceremony Details

Caps, Gowns, and Announcements

You can order caps, gowns, tassels, and personalized commencement announcements from Jostens.

Get Prepared

Diplomas

Graduates will be notified when diplomas are ready for distribution (generally in June for Spring 2026 degree completers and in September for Summer 2026 degree completers). Students with questions may contact the Registrar’s Office at 260-399-8061 or registrar@sf.edu.

After the Ceremony

Family and Guests

We encourage families and friends of our graduates to take part in their loved ones’ important day. Our Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement day are celebrations and recognitions of a remarkable milestone in your loved ones’ lives. At the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, be sure to look for the SF photo area in the Rotunda, where you may take pictures with your graduate in front of a University of Saint Francis drape.

Need Assistance?

If you or someone in your party will need special assistance during graduation activities, either at Baccalaureate Mass or Commencement, please let us know. We’ll do everything we can to make this day as enjoyable and comfortable for everyone in attendance. Please contact us at 260.399.8069 to let us know how we can help.

Travel Information

If you’re coming to Fort Wayne from out of town, here are some resources that may be helpful in finding hotels, restaurants, or other things to do while you’re here!

Traditions, Honors, and Recognition

Wondering what those different cord colors mean? What is an Honorary degree, and how does one become eligible for one? Learn more about special honors and recognition that take place during Commencement.

Learn More About Commencement

Faculty and Staff

Saint Francis faculty and staff, regardless of religion, are warmly encouraged to participate in the Baccalaureate Mass at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, in the North Campus Auditorium at the University of Saint Francis. Faculty should arrive by 4:30 p.m. with regalia for the processional. The Mass will be immediately followed by an hors d’oeuvres reception, where graduates and their families are invited to celebrate with university administration, faculty, and staff.

For the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2026, faculty should arrive at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum with regalia and gather near the Century Room. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m.

Get the Details

Contact Us

Registrar’s Office
Phone: 260-399-8061
Email: registrar@sf.edu

St. Michael Hall, First Floor

Hours
Monday – Friday:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.