Commencement

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 2, 2025: 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 3, 2025: 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

  • We are pleased to welcome Jason Shanks, President of the National Eucharistic Congress, Inc., as our 2025 Commencement Speaker. Shanks has dedicated his career to strengthening Catholic organizations and ministries and is a two-time OSV Catholic of the Year honoree for his leadership and resilience.
  • Additionally, Donald F. Schenkel, former President of Northeast Indiana Bank Holding Corporation and former Chairman and CEO of Tower Financial Corporation, will receive an honorary degree in recognition of his long-standing service to the university and the broader community.

Graduation Details

Graduation Celebration Details: Fort Wayne

  • Spring and Summer Degree Completers: Monday, April 7, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. EST, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. EST, and Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. EST.

Graduation Celebration Details: Crown Point

  • Spring and Summer Degree Completers: April 2, 2025, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. CST.

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 2, 2025. The Mass will be immediately followed by an hors d’oeuvres reception.

Caps, Gowns, and Announcements

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

Diplomas

Graduates will be notified when diplomas are ready for distribution (generally in June for Spring 2025 degree completers and in September for Summer 2025 degree completers). Students with questions may contact the Registrar’s Office at 260-399-8061 or registrar@sf.edu.

Family and Guests

We encourage families and friends of our graduates to take part in their loved ones’ important day. Starting with the Baccalaureate Mass at 9:30 a.m. through the Commencement Ceremony at 2:00 p.m., this is an entire Graduation Day of celebration and recognition of a remarkable milestone in your loved ones’ lives. At the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, be sure to look for the USF 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 day 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.

Faculty and Staff

Saint Francis faculty and staff, regardless of religion, are strongly encouraged to participate in the Baccalaureate Mass in the North Campus Auditorium at 9:30 a.m. Faculty should arrive by 9:00 a.m. with regalia for the processional.

Faculty must arrive at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum by 1:30 p.m. with regalia, gathering near the Century Room, for the Commencement Ceremony.

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