Congratulations Graduates!
Graduation is a very special time; a time to acknowledge you for all your hard work and honors you for all you have achieved. As a graduate of Villa Maria College, you are expected to attend all Commencement Exercises. If you are unable to attend, please contact Brian Emerson at 716-961-1838 as soon as possible.
Important Dates for Commencement 2018
Brunch Ticket Pick Up | By May 8 – Joanne Nowak, Felician Hall
Graduate Happy Hour | Wednesday, May 16, 2017 at 3:00 PM – World of Beer
Rehearsal | Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 2:30 PM – Dining Hall / Auditorium
Graduate Reception | Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 3:30 PM – Dining Hall (Immediately following rehearsal)
Hooding Ceremony and Baccalaureate Liturgy | Sunday, May 20, 2018 at 10:00 AM – Villa Maria Convent Chapel (graduates gather by 9:30 AM)
Brunch | Sunday, May 20, 2018, immediately following the Liturgy – Dining Hall
Exercises | Sunday, May 20, 2018 at 1:00 PM – Auditorium
Reception | Immediately following ceremony – Front Lawn
*Times and locations subject to change.
Want to see pictures after the event?
Hooding Ceremony and Liturgy
You are expected to attend the Hooding Ceremony and Liturgy on Sunday, May 20, 2018, not only as an active participant, but also in support of your fellow classmates.
Gather in the entrance to the Convent Chapel, 600 Doat Street, by 9:30 a.m. Wear your academic gown (no cap) and bring your hood.
Academic Attire
Graduation gown, cap & tassel package: $34
Tassel only: $5
Cap only: $9
Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree hood: $25/27
Complete package, Associate’s/Bachelor’s (gown, cap, tassel, hood): $59/$61
Women & men: black gown, black cap, academic hood, dark shoes
Delta Epsilon & Phi Theta Kappa members: follow above, plus honors stole if applicable.
Military: follow military protocol
Graduation cap must be worn according to regulation: level with ceiling when on your head, tassel on the right-hand side.
Please do not bring purses or any other item that you need to carry. Leave all items with family members or lock them in your car trunk.
Tuition and Fees
All tuition and fees must be cleared before participation in the May Commencement activities. Graduates will not receive brunch tickets if financial obligations are not settled.
Graduate Gathering
Get all the information about graduation in one place! Pick up your brunch tickets and talk with Service Directors to make sure you are as prepared for graduation as you can be! Get information on class rings and graduation photos.
As an added incentive to join us for this fun-filled gathering, special discount coupons to be used towards your cap, gown and hood purchase in the bookstore will be given to only those grads who attend the event. Enjoy food, libations and entertainment — all free! (Exclusively for graduates.)
Commencement Rehearsal and Graduate Reception
Commencement Rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2018, in the Dining Hall at 2:30 p.m. sharp. Please arrive on time. The seating chart and final instructions will be distributed at this rehearsal. Dress is casual — please do not bring your cap, gown, or hood.
A graduate reception immediately follows the rehearsal. This is an opportunity to get together with your fellow graduates one last time before the big day. Faculty and staff who have worked with you during your tenure at Villa will also attend to share in your success. This is your moment, come and celebrate! Refreshments will be served.