Weekend & Traditions
You’ll find a gallery of images from Senior Week and Affinity celebrations as well as Commencement 2024 on Flickr.
TBA
Lavender Cord Ceremony
Contact Julian Vela, Director of the LGBTQ Center (jvela@vassar.edu) for details.
The Lavender Cord Ceremony and Reception honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students, and they are presented with lavender cords provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement.
Thursday, May 16, 2024
3:30–5:30 p.m.
Sigma Xi Induction Ceremony
Location: Villard Room, Main Building
Sigma Xi is an international scientific research honor society dating back to 1886. It is one of the oldest and largest scientific organizations in the world. This ceremony will honor invited, eligible members and their invited guests to celebrate their current and future accomplishments to science, technology, and engineering.
Friday, May 17
1:30–2:30 p.m.
First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program Cord Ceremony
Villard Room, Main Building
We will celebrate the First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program (formerly the Transitions Program) Senior Class with students, families, and supporters! Refreshments will be served and cords provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) will be distributed to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement.
4:15–5:00 p.m.
Native American and Indigenous Stole Ceremony
Rose Parlor, Main Building
Seniors of Native American and Indigenous descent will be presented with stoles provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement. This ceremony marks the seniors’ transition to the world outside Vassar and welcomes them into the ranks of the alums.
5:45–6:30 p.m.
Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony
Villard Room, Main Building
Since 1776, Phi Beta Kappa has been regarded as one of the most prestigious honor societies. Invited, eligible graduates will be inducted at this ceremony, and their invited guests are able to attend to celebrate their current and future contributions to the arts and sciences.
Saturday, May 18
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Awarding of Prizes
The Chapel
Presented by the Dean of the College and the Dean of Studies. The senior prize recipients will be awarded scholarship prizes and awards. Recipients will be notified in advance.
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Tent on President’s Lawn
The President’s Office will hold a welcoming reception with light refreshments for families and graduates. Attendees are strongly urged to attend the Baccalaureate Service immediately following. Graduates participating in Baccalaureate Service may robe in the Chapel Lobby.
12:15–1:30 p.m.
Baccalaureate Service
The Chapel
Sponsored and planned by the Council of ALANA Seniors student organization. A celebration, rooted in traditions of the African diaspora, of faith and spirituality in recognition of academic achievement. Open to the entire community of graduates and families.
1:45–2:45 p.m.
Latiné Sarape Ceremony
Villard Room, Main Building
An alum of Latiné descent will present graduating Latiné identifying seniors with a sarape provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement. This ceremony marks the seniors’ transition to the world outside Vassar and welcomes them into the ranks of the alums.
1:30–5:00 p.m.
Performances by Vassar College A Cappella Groups
The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Sculpture Garden
2:30–3:15 p.m.
Commencement Concert
Skinner Hall of Music
An annual tribute to the graduating seniors presented by the Music Department Faculty.
3:00–4:00 p.m.
African American Alumnae/i of Vassar College (AAAVC) Kente Cloth Ceremony
The Chapel
Members of the African American Alumnae/i of Vassar College (AAAVC) will celebrate with Black seniors and their families. Alums will officially welcome seniors to the alum community as they bestow kente cloths provided as a gift to be worn with caps and gowns at Commencement.
4:15–5:15 p.m.
Asian, Asian-American, Pacific Islander Stole Ceremony
Villard Room, Main Building
An alum of Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander descent will present identifying senior graduates with a red satin stole provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement. This ceremony marks the seniors’ transition to the world outside Vassar and welcomes them to the alum community.
6:00 p.m.
Vassar Veterans Cord Ceremony
Alumnae House
Invited Vassar community members, family, and Posse Foundation staff will gather to offer congratulations and celebrate graduating veterans. Each senior veteran will be presented with red/white/blue cords provided as a gift from Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) to wear with their caps and gowns during Commencement.
8:00–10:00 p.m.
Champagne Reception
Bridge Building
Sponsored by the Class of 2024 and the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC). Remarks begin at 8:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends to enjoy champagne and light desserts.
Sunday, May 19
10:00 a.m.
Vassar College’s 160th Commencement Ceremony
Outdoor Amphitheater
Reception immediately following Commencement exercises on President’s Lawn