Congratulations, Graduates!
Villa Maria’s 56th Commencement Ceremony has been postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19. Any updates will be shared here as soon as they are available. Graduation is a very special time; a time to acknowledge you for all your hard work and honor 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 DJ Schier at 716-961-1878 as soon as possible.
Important Dates for Commencement 2020
Graduate Gathering | Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 4:00 PM – Dining Hall
Brunch Ticket Pick Up | April 17 – May 6 – Joanne Nowak, Felician Hall, Room 120
Graduate Happy Hour | TBD – Time & location TBD
Rehearsal | Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 2:30 PM – Dining Hall / Auditorium
Graduate Reception | Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 3:30 PM – Dining Hall (Immediately following rehearsal)
Hooding Ceremony and Baccalaureate Liturgy | Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 10:00 AM – Villa Maria Convent Chapel (graduates gather by 9:30 AM)
Brunch | Sunday, May 17, 2020, immediately following the Liturgy – Dining Hall
Exercises | Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 1:00 PM – Auditorium (graduates gather by 12:30pm in the Dining Hall)
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 17, 2020, 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
Associate Degree*
Complete package (cap, gown, tassel, hood): $62.00
Gown, cap, tassel package: $36.00
Hood only: $26.00
Cap only: $9.00
Tassel only: $6.00
Bachelor’s Degree*
Complete package (cap, gown, tassel, hood): $64.00
Gown, cap, tassel package: $36.00
Hood only: $28.00
Cap only: $9.00
Tassel only: $6.00
*Prices do not include sales tax
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.
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. Enjoy food, libations and entertainment — all free! (Exclusively for graduates.)
Commencement Rehearsal and Graduate Reception
Commencement Rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2020, 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 — bring your associate or bachelor hood; do not bring your cap and gown.
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.
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.
For More Information Contact:
DJ Schier at 716-961-1878 or [email protected] or
Joanne Nowak at 716-961-1877 or [email protected]