Celebrations
Class of 2023 - Events For Prospective Graduates
Celebrations are events surrounding Commencement and Convocations that seek to recognize the plurality of identities graduates hold.
SES Commencement Event
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 3PM
Location: SES Office – Foster Walker (PLEX) House 6
Student Enrichment Services is excited to celebrate Class of 2023 graduates. All undergraduate students who identify as first-generation, lower-income, and/or undocumented/DACA will receive a FGLI graduation gift. Undergraduate students who identify as first-generation college students will also receive a First-Gen stole. You can drop by the SES office on Thursday, June 1st from 3:00p.m. – 5:30p.m. to pick up your items. Can’t make it? A friend can pick up your items but they must have a photo of your Wildcard. This will be the only opportunity to pick up your items.
March Back Through The Arch
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 6PM
Location: Deering Meadow
Just as March Through the Arch was a symbolic start to your Northwestern career, March Back Through the Arch is the bookend. Meet at Deering Meadow to march the reverse of the original path with your friends and classmates. This event will culminate in a Senior Send-Off Celebration.
Please note: This event is for students only. Families and Guests are encouraged to attend Photos at the Arch on Friday, June 9, 3PM – 7PM.
Leave Your Print
Friday, June 9, 2023 at 11AM
Location: The Rock
Whether you painted the Rock or not during your time as a student, this is a chance to participate in a Northwestern tradition. The Northwestern Alumni Association invites you to stop by the Rock, 11AM - 2PM, to sign your name, get your photo taken, and pick up a treat.
Photos at the Arch
Friday, June 9, 2023 at 3PM
Location: Weber Arch
Get your picture at one of the most iconic campus landmarks. Our Graduation photographer, Dynamic Photo Systems, will be at the Weber Arch on Friday afternoon to start off your Graduation Weekend capturing this classic pic. Drop by any time between 3PM – 7PM!
Baccalaureate Service
Friday, June 9, 2023 at 5PM
Location: Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
The University Chaplain invites graduates, their families, and guests to attend Baccalaureate, an interfaith service incorporating the many traditions of the University.
President's Reception
Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 5PM
Location: Norris East Lawn
You and your guests are invited to join University President Michael Schill for a celebration honoring all of the year’s graduates.
Northwestern Hillel Graduation Open House
Monday, June 12, 2023 at 1PM
Location: Northwestern Hillel
Please join us for the Northwestern Hillel Open House celebrating the graduates of the Class of 2023!
If you have questions, please contact hillel@u.northwestern.edu.
Reserve Officer’s Training Corps Commissioning Ceremony
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 11AM
Location: Northwestern Lakefill
The NROTC mission is to develop future officers mentally, morally, and physically, and to instill in them the highest ideals of duty, loyalty, and the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment in order to commission college graduates as Naval officers.
Email robert.klaszky@northwestern.edu for more information.
MSA End-of-Year Celebrations
Every year, Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) hosts a series of End-of-Year Celebrations to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Please visit the MSA End-of-Year Celebrations page for more information.
Native American and Indigenous Community Celebration
Sunday, May 21st at 5:00 PM
Location: Guild Lounge
The Native American and Indigenous Community Celebration is an annual event co-hosted by Multicultural Student Affairs and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (OIDI) that celebrates the yearly contributions of Native and Indigenous graduates, students, faculty, staff, and community members. All students who participate will receive a white stole with purple and maple and oak leaves appliquéd by hand.
Lavender Graduation
Wednesday, June 7th at 5:30 PM
Location: Cahn Auditorium
Lavender Graduation is an annual celebration hosted by Multicultural Student Affairs that celebrates the achievements of graduating students in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) community from Northwestern University. All students who register and participate will receive a rainbow and/or trans stole.
Latinx Congratulatory
Thursday, June 8th at 5:30 PM
Location: Cahn Auditorium
The Latinx Congratulatory is an annual celebration hosted by Multicultural Student Affairs to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Northwestern's Latinx graduates. All students who participate will receive a Sun stole. The JOY: NU's Black Congratulatory
Friday, June 9th at 3:00 PM
Location: Cahn Auditorium
The Journey of Our Years, or the JOY, is an annual celebration hosted by Multicultural Student Affairs to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Northwestern's Black graduates. All students who participate will receive a Kente stole.
APIDA Senior Send-Off
Friday, June 9th at 7:00 PM
Location: Cahn Auditorium
The APIDA Senior Send-Off is an annual celebration hosted by Multicultural Student Affairs to recognize and celebrate Northwestern's graduates of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi descent. All students who participate will receive an "APIDA NU Grad" stole.
