Celebrating the Conclusion of Your Journey at Assumption
Commencement is the culmination of your four years of study and work. The education that you have received will continue to nurture you and impact you throughout your life.
Critical intelligence will allow you to reason carefully, to recognize the complexities and paradoxes of the human condition and to recognize that you should not accept everything you hear or read at face value, that there are different sides to consider in every situation, and that the goal is to arrive at the truth. Thoughtful citizenship will require you to speak and act with wisdom, engaging in your civic responsibilities in a way that will advocate for the vulnerable in our society, keeping at the forefront the dignity of all human persons.
More Information
-
Baccalaureate Mass – Saturday, May 17th, 2025, 5:00 p.m. | Plourde Recreation Center, Assumption University
All candidates for graduation, their families and guests are invited to attend the Mass. There is no limit to the number of individuals who may attend. The candidates for graduation process into the Baccalaureate Mass as a class. Please wear your graduation gown, but not your graduation hood or cap, to the Mass. The candidates for graduation assemble in front of Laska no later than 4:30 p.m.. You will process from Laska into Plourde.
Baccalaureate Reception – Saturday, May 17th, 2025, following Mass | Laska Gymnasium, Assumption University
All candidates for graduation and their families and friends are invited to attend the baccalaureate reception after the Mass in the Laska Gymnasium immediately following the Mass.
Undergraduate Commencement – Sunday, May 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m. | DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
- 8:30 a.m. – Doors open to the public (no tickets required) All families and guests should be seated by 9:30am.
- 9:40 a.m. – Academic Procession Begins
- 10:00 a.m. – Commencement Ceremony Begins
Information on parking and entry to the DCU center can be found www.dcucenter.com/visitor-information/parking/ Note that no master’s degrees are awarded at this ceremony, only bachelor’s degrees.
Graduate School Commencement – Wednesday, May 21,2025, 4:00 p.m. | Plourde Recreation Center, Assumption University Campus
Graduate students-Please arrive on campus by 3:00 pm and check in at the Laska gym to be lined up for procession.
- 3:00 p.m. – Doors open to the public (no tickets required) All families and guests should be seated by 3:40pm.
- 3:50 p.m. – Academic Procession Begins
- 4:00 p.m. – Commencement Ceremony Begins
All graduates and their guests are invited to a reception immediately following the ceremony in the Laska gymnasium on the Assumption University campus.
-
Public Entrance: please use doors # 11 & 12.
Disability Entrance: please use door #13.
Student Entrance: please use door #2.
Please also be aware of new protocol for entry into the DCU Center:
- No bags larger than 8” x 10” (except medical bags and baby supply bags).
- No backpacks.
- No outside food/water.
- No signs or banners.
- Full size umbrellas are prohibited.
- Full size camera tripods prohibited.
- Guests wearing large coats / jackets required to open them up for visual inspection.
- No balloons.
- No glass vases with floral arrangements.
- Wrapped gifts will be required to be unwrapped.
-
Please click below to order.
Undergraduate Cap and Gown Ordering
-
A livestream for all ceremonies will be made available on Assumption University’s website and Facebook page.
-
Diplomas will be presented at the ceremonies on May 18 and 21 respectively.
-
Are tickets required for the Mass or the Commencement Ceremony?
Tickets are not required for either event; attendance at the Baccalaureate Mass is not required for students, but seating is more limited than the Commencement Ceremony.
What time does the Commencement Ceremony begin?
The student procession begins are 10 a.m. sharp and the doors to the DCU center will open at 9 a.m.
How long does the Commencement Ceremony last?
The length of the ceremony is approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Outside Food and guest bags and balloons:
No outside food, flowers or balloons are permitted in the DCU Center per management. Please know that concessions will be open. Guest bags, flowers and balloons are not allowed; please see a list of building policies here.
Is there a reception following the Ceremony?
The University will host formal reception after the Baccalaureate Mass, but not after the Commencement so graduates and their families can spend time together celebrating their son or daughter’s accomplishments.
Is there a Commencement Photographer?
Yes, the University has contracted with Grad Images, Inc., to take close-up photos of each individual graduate as he/she receives his/her diploma. There will be two different photography shots taken of each student during the ceremony; one as they receive their diploma (action shot) and one as they exit the stage with diploma in hand (posed shot).
Commencement Photos, Inc. will contact each student at his/her home address regarding the ordering and purchasing of the photos. Please allow 1-2 weeks for processing before proofs of the May 11th event are available.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Grad Images at (800) 261-2576; again please allow 1-2 weeks after the event date for initial processing.
Parents, family, and friends will be allowed to take pictures only from their seats and will not be allowed access to the arena floor during the ceremony to maintain the dignity of the ceremony.
Commencement Video
A live stream will be available on the University website.
Is handicapped seating available at Commencement?
The DCU Center has designated areas for those using wheelchairs as well as other rows designated for those with mobility issues. DCU ushers will to assist those with these needs.
Is there reserved Handicap Parking?
HDCP parking for vehicles with official placards/plates is available directly adjacent to the DCU Center.
Where can I buy refreshments and snacks?
Concession areas will be open at the DCU Center during the Commencement ceremony.
Flower bouquets
Flowers will be available for sale at the DCU during the ceremony. Please know that all flowers must be purchased at the DCU; they will not permit flowers from outside.
Additional Questions?
Please contact acad.eventsoffice@assumption.edu
-
Are tickets required for the Mass or the Commencement Ceremony?
Tickets are not required for either event; attendance at the Baccalaureate Mass is not required for students, but seating is more limited than the Commencement Ceremony.
What time does the Commencement Ceremony begin?
The student procession begins are 10 a.m. sharp and the doors to the Plourde Center will open at 9 a.m.
Graduate Students will receive a detailed email prior to the event with information on arrival time and location, as well as parking.
How long does the Commencement Ceremony last?
The length of the ceremony is approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours
Is there a reception following the Ceremony?
A reception for the Graduate School will take place immediately following the ceremony, the reception will take place in the Ballroom of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center.
Will there be Sign Language interpreter at Commencement?
Yes, if you or a family member will require these services, please contact acad.eventsoffice@assumption.edu
Is there a Commencement Photographer?
Yes, the University has contracted with Grad Images, Inc., to take close-up photos of each individual graduate as he/she receives his/her diploma. There will be two different photography shots taken of each student during the ceremony; one as they receive their diploma (action shot) and one as they exit the stage with diploma in hand (posed shot).
Commencement Photos, Inc. will contact each student at his/her home address regarding the ordering and purchasing of the photos. Please allow 1-2 weeks for processing before proofs of the May 18th event are available.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Grad Images at (800) 261-2576; again please allow 1-2 weeks after the event date for initial processing.
Parents, family, and friends will be allowed to take pictures only from their seats and will not be allowed access to the arena floor during the ceremony to maintain the dignity of the ceremony.
Commencement Video
A live stream will be available on the University website.
-
-
Photos
We invite you to sit back and enjoy the ceremony and this milestone moment without having to worry about photos. A professional photographer will contact families directly with information on how to purchase photos from Commencement. Please visit Grad Images for more information.
-
Undergraduate Commencement | May 12, 2024
President’s Welcome – Greg Weiner, Ph.D.
Commencement Address – Aaron Dominguez, Ph.D.
Valedictory Address – Emily Fasteson ’24
Graduate Commencement | May 18, 2024
President’s Welcome – Greg Weiner, Ph.D.
Commencement Address – Carolyn Clancy ’82
Baccalaureate Mass – Saturday, May 17th, 2025, 5:00 p.m. | Plourde Recreation Center, Assumption University
All candidates for graduation, their families and guests are invited to attend the Mass. There is no limit to the number of individuals who may attend. The candidates for graduation process into the Baccalaureate Mass as a class. Please wear your graduation gown, but not your graduation hood or cap, to the Mass. The candidates for graduation assemble in front of Laska no later than 4:30 p.m.. You will process from Laska into Plourde.
Baccalaureate Reception – Saturday, May 17th, 2025, following Mass | Laska Gymnasium, Assumption University
All candidates for graduation and their families and friends are invited to attend the baccalaureate reception after the Mass in the Laska Gymnasium immediately following the Mass.
Undergraduate Commencement – Sunday, May 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m. | DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
- 8:30 a.m. – Doors open to the public (no tickets required) All families and guests should be seated by 9:30am.
- 9:40 a.m. – Academic Procession Begins
- 10:00 a.m. – Commencement Ceremony Begins
Information on parking and entry to the DCU center can be found www.dcucenter.com/visitor-information/parking/ Note that no master’s degrees are awarded at this ceremony, only bachelor’s degrees.
Graduate School Commencement – Wednesday, May 21,2025, 4:00 p.m. | Plourde Recreation Center, Assumption University Campus
Graduate students-Please arrive on campus by 3:00 pm and check in at the Laska gym to be lined up for procession.
- 3:00 p.m. – Doors open to the public (no tickets required) All families and guests should be seated by 3:40pm.
- 3:50 p.m. – Academic Procession Begins
- 4:00 p.m. – Commencement Ceremony Begins
All graduates and their guests are invited to a reception immediately following the ceremony in the Laska gymnasium on the Assumption University campus.
Public Entrance: please use doors # 11 & 12.
Disability Entrance: please use door #13.
Student Entrance: please use door #2.
Please also be aware of new protocol for entry into the DCU Center:
- No bags larger than 8” x 10” (except medical bags and baby supply bags).
- No backpacks.
- No outside food/water.
- No signs or banners.
- Full size umbrellas are prohibited.
- Full size camera tripods prohibited.
- Guests wearing large coats / jackets required to open them up for visual inspection.
- No balloons.
- No glass vases with floral arrangements.
- Wrapped gifts will be required to be unwrapped.
Please click below to order.
Undergraduate Cap and Gown Ordering
A livestream for all ceremonies will be made available on Assumption University’s website and Facebook page.
Diplomas will be presented at the ceremonies on May 18 and 21 respectively.
Are tickets required for the Mass or the Commencement Ceremony?
Tickets are not required for either event; attendance at the Baccalaureate Mass is not required for students, but seating is more limited than the Commencement Ceremony.
What time does the Commencement Ceremony begin?
The student procession begins are 10 a.m. sharp and the doors to the DCU center will open at 9 a.m.
How long does the Commencement Ceremony last?
The length of the ceremony is approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Outside Food and guest bags and balloons:
No outside food, flowers or balloons are permitted in the DCU Center per management. Please know that concessions will be open. Guest bags, flowers and balloons are not allowed; please see a list of building policies here.
Is there a reception following the Ceremony?
The University will host formal reception after the Baccalaureate Mass, but not after the Commencement so graduates and their families can spend time together celebrating their son or daughter’s accomplishments.
Is there a Commencement Photographer?
Yes, the University has contracted with Grad Images, Inc., to take close-up photos of each individual graduate as he/she receives his/her diploma. There will be two different photography shots taken of each student during the ceremony; one as they receive their diploma (action shot) and one as they exit the stage with diploma in hand (posed shot).
Commencement Photos, Inc. will contact each student at his/her home address regarding the ordering and purchasing of the photos. Please allow 1-2 weeks for processing before proofs of the May 11th event are available.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Grad Images at (800) 261-2576; again please allow 1-2 weeks after the event date for initial processing.
Parents, family, and friends will be allowed to take pictures only from their seats and will not be allowed access to the arena floor during the ceremony to maintain the dignity of the ceremony.
Commencement Video
A live stream will be available on the University website.
Is handicapped seating available at Commencement?
The DCU Center has designated areas for those using wheelchairs as well as other rows designated for those with mobility issues. DCU ushers will to assist those with these needs.
Is there reserved Handicap Parking?
HDCP parking for vehicles with official placards/plates is available directly adjacent to the DCU Center.
Where can I buy refreshments and snacks?
Concession areas will be open at the DCU Center during the Commencement ceremony.
Flower bouquets
Flowers will be available for sale at the DCU during the ceremony. Please know that all flowers must be purchased at the DCU; they will not permit flowers from outside.
Additional Questions?
Please contact acad.eventsoffice@assumption.edu
Are tickets required for the Mass or the Commencement Ceremony?
Tickets are not required for either event; attendance at the Baccalaureate Mass is not required for students, but seating is more limited than the Commencement Ceremony.
What time does the Commencement Ceremony begin?
The student procession begins are 10 a.m. sharp and the doors to the Plourde Center will open at 9 a.m.
Graduate Students will receive a detailed email prior to the event with information on arrival time and location, as well as parking.
How long does the Commencement Ceremony last?
The length of the ceremony is approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours
Is there a reception following the Ceremony?
A reception for the Graduate School will take place immediately following the ceremony, the reception will take place in the Ballroom of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center.
Will there be Sign Language interpreter at Commencement?
Yes, if you or a family member will require these services, please contact acad.eventsoffice@assumption.edu
Is there a Commencement Photographer?
Yes, the University has contracted with Grad Images, Inc., to take close-up photos of each individual graduate as he/she receives his/her diploma. There will be two different photography shots taken of each student during the ceremony; one as they receive their diploma (action shot) and one as they exit the stage with diploma in hand (posed shot).
Commencement Photos, Inc. will contact each student at his/her home address regarding the ordering and purchasing of the photos. Please allow 1-2 weeks for processing before proofs of the May 18th event are available.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Grad Images at (800) 261-2576; again please allow 1-2 weeks after the event date for initial processing.
Parents, family, and friends will be allowed to take pictures only from their seats and will not be allowed access to the arena floor during the ceremony to maintain the dignity of the ceremony.
Commencement Video
A live stream will be available on the University website.
Photos
We invite you to sit back and enjoy the ceremony and this milestone moment without having to worry about photos. A professional photographer will contact families directly with information on how to purchase photos from Commencement. Please visit Grad Images for more information.
Undergraduate Commencement | May 12, 2024
President’s Welcome – Greg Weiner, Ph.D.
Commencement Address – Aaron Dominguez, Ph.D.
Valedictory Address – Emily Fasteson ’24
Graduate Commencement | May 18, 2024
President’s Welcome – Greg Weiner, Ph.D.
Commencement Address – Carolyn Clancy ’82
Past Commencements
-
2024
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Aaron Dominguez, Ph.D., Povost at the Catholic University of America
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Carolyn M. Clancy, Robert DeMott, Ph.D., and Michael M. Collins, M.D.
2023
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Curtis Martin, the founder of FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students
2022
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Larry Lucchino, Chairman of the Board, Worcester Red Sox
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Francisca “Paqui” Kelly, Wendy M. Wright, Ph. D., Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph. D., and Filomena P. Cesareo, Esquire, J.D.
2021
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Law): George F. Will, Pulitzer Prize-winning and nationally syndicated Washington Post columnist
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Vincent Strully, Jr., Founder and CEO New England Center for Children
2020
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Robert Royal, Ph.D., founder and president of the Faith & Reason Institute and editor-in-chief of The Catholic Thing
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Kenneth J. Bates G’90, president and chief executive officer of Open Sky Community Services
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Law): James T. Brett, president and chief executive officer of The New England Council
2019
Commencement Speaker: Robert Lewis, Jr., chief executive officer of The BASE
2018
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: His Excellency, Most. Rev. Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Honorary Degree Recipients: John Agresto, Ph.D., the former president of St. John’s College, and Judith Beck, Ph.D. co-founder of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
2017
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: John L. Allen, Jr., editor of Crux, and senior Vatican analyst for CNN.
Honorary Degree Recipients: Mary Lou Jennings, executive director of the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Educational Foundation; Roberta Schaefer, Ph.D., founder and first executive director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau.
2016
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Dr. Carolyn Woo, CEO of Catholic Relief Services.
Honorary Degree Recipients: Dr. James O’Connell, founding physician, and now president, of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program; Dr. Fred Bayon ’65, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees for 31 years; and Michael Tsotsis ’71, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees for 21 years.
2015
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Major General Robert Catalanotti (Ret.) ’80
Honorary Degree Recipient: Terrence W. Macy ‘70, Ph.D. former commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
2014
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Attorney and humanitarian Frances X. Hogan
Honorary Degree Recipients: Janice “Jan” L. Fuller P’92 and Mark W. Fuller P’92, the Very Reverend Benoît Grière, A.A, Dr. Paul Carpentier, MD, CFCMC ’82
2013
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Richard DesLauriers ’82, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Field Division
Honorary Degree Recipients: Stephen F. Knott ’79, professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College; Raymond Lauring, friend and supporter of Assumption University, retired president of Lauring Construction
2012
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Brian Kelly ’83; head football coach for the University of Notre Dame
Honorary Degree Recipients: The Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, bishop of Worcester; Maurice “Moe” Boisvert ’66, president of Youth Opportunities Upheld Inc. (YOU Inc.); and James Welu, director emeritus of Worcester Art Museum
2011
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Rwandan Genocide Survivor and AuthorImmaculée Ilibagiza
Honorary Degree Recipients: Medical doctor, missionary and director of the NPH St. Damien Hospital in Haiti, Fr. Richard Frechette, C.P., D.O. ’74; Thomas Walsh, M.D. ’74, researcher, physician and director of Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program; Susan Woodbury, chair of the board of the George I. Alden Trust
2010
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Richard Lamoureux, A.A. ‘64, superior general of the Assumptionists
Honorary Degree Recipients: Francis R. Carroll, chairman and chief executive officer of the Small Business Service Bureau; civic leaders Donald D’Amour ’64 and Michele D’Amour
2009
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Anne Lynam Goddard, president and CEO of the Christian Children’s Fund
Honorary Degree Recipients: Edmund D. Pellegrino, M.D., the John Carroll Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center; Rev. James V. Schall, S.J., professor of government at Georgetown University
2024
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Aaron Dominguez, Ph.D., Povost at the Catholic University of America
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Carolyn M. Clancy, Robert DeMott, Ph.D., and Michael M. Collins, M.D.
2023
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Curtis Martin, the founder of FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students
2022
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Larry Lucchino, Chairman of the Board, Worcester Red Sox
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Francisca “Paqui” Kelly, Wendy M. Wright, Ph. D., Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph. D., and Filomena P. Cesareo, Esquire, J.D.
2021
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Law): George F. Will, Pulitzer Prize-winning and nationally syndicated Washington Post columnist
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Vincent Strully, Jr., Founder and CEO New England Center for Children
2020
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Robert Royal, Ph.D., founder and president of the Faith & Reason Institute and editor-in-chief of The Catholic Thing
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Letters): Kenneth J. Bates G’90, president and chief executive officer of Open Sky Community Services
Honorary Degree Recipient (Doctor of Law): James T. Brett, president and chief executive officer of The New England Council
2019
Commencement Speaker: Robert Lewis, Jr., chief executive officer of The BASE
2018
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: His Excellency, Most. Rev. Robert Barron, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Honorary Degree Recipients: John Agresto, Ph.D., the former president of St. John’s College, and Judith Beck, Ph.D. co-founder of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
2017
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: John L. Allen, Jr., editor of Crux, and senior Vatican analyst for CNN.
Honorary Degree Recipients: Mary Lou Jennings, executive director of the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Educational Foundation; Roberta Schaefer, Ph.D., founder and first executive director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau.
2016
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Dr. Carolyn Woo, CEO of Catholic Relief Services.
Honorary Degree Recipients: Dr. James O’Connell, founding physician, and now president, of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program; Dr. Fred Bayon ’65, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees for 31 years; and Michael Tsotsis ’71, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees for 21 years.
2015
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Major General Robert Catalanotti (Ret.) ’80
Honorary Degree Recipient: Terrence W. Macy ‘70, Ph.D. former commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
2014
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Attorney and humanitarian Frances X. Hogan
Honorary Degree Recipients: Janice “Jan” L. Fuller P’92 and Mark W. Fuller P’92, the Very Reverend Benoît Grière, A.A, Dr. Paul Carpentier, MD, CFCMC ’82
2013
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Richard DesLauriers ’82, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Field Division
Honorary Degree Recipients: Stephen F. Knott ’79, professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College; Raymond Lauring, friend and supporter of Assumption University, retired president of Lauring Construction
2012
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Brian Kelly ’83; head football coach for the University of Notre Dame
Honorary Degree Recipients: The Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, bishop of Worcester; Maurice “Moe” Boisvert ’66, president of Youth Opportunities Upheld Inc. (YOU Inc.); and James Welu, director emeritus of Worcester Art Museum
2011
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Rwandan Genocide Survivor and AuthorImmaculée Ilibagiza
Honorary Degree Recipients: Medical doctor, missionary and director of the NPH St. Damien Hospital in Haiti, Fr. Richard Frechette, C.P., D.O. ’74; Thomas Walsh, M.D. ’74, researcher, physician and director of Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program; Susan Woodbury, chair of the board of the George I. Alden Trust
2010
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Richard Lamoureux, A.A. ‘64, superior general of the Assumptionists
Honorary Degree Recipients: Francis R. Carroll, chairman and chief executive officer of the Small Business Service Bureau; civic leaders Donald D’Amour ’64 and Michele D’Amour
2009
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient: Anne Lynam Goddard, president and CEO of the Christian Children’s Fund
Honorary Degree Recipients: Edmund D. Pellegrino, M.D., the John Carroll Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center; Rev. James V. Schall, S.J., professor of government at Georgetown University