Commencement Ceremonies for Gettysburg Graduates
Gettysburg College celebrates its graduates through a variety of commencement ceremonies and recognition events. Each ceremony honors a different group of students and reflects the unique journey they have taken to earn their degrees.
Undergraduate Commencement
Commencement for the undergraduate class of 2026 was held Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Pennsylvania Hall, north side. Seating is open and tickets are not required.
The portico on the north side of Pennsylvania Hall is properly known as the Beachem Portico, erected with funds given by the Alumni Association and dedicated to the memory of the College's first alumni secretary, Charles W. Beachem.
The "stole of gratitude," a tradition which began in 2004, is in part a gift from the Gettysburg College Alumni Association. The graduates will wear the stoles throughout the Commencement Exercises as a symbol of their appreciation for all of the individuals whose support was instrumental in bringing them to this day. At the reception following Commencement, graduates may present the stole to someone to demonstrate their gratitude for that individual's role in their success.
Master's Commencement
The Master's Commencement recognizes graduate students who have completed their degree requirements for the Master of Arts in American History offered through a partnership between Gettysburg College and The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The summer ceremony includes graduates from the winter and spring cohorts.
The private 2016 ceremony was held on July 16, 2026, at Gettysburg College's Majestic Theater at 11:00 a.m. Graduates and event participants report at 10:00 a.m. Seating for invited guests opens at 10:00 a.m. A private reception with light fare follows at the Hotel Gettysburg Ballroom.
Please note, this event is not open to the public.
Midyear Graduates Recognition Ceremony
The Midyear Graduates ceremony will take place on December 9, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in College Union Building Ballroom.
This special ceremony honors students who have completed degree requirements in August or are expected to complete degree requirements in December. Students and families involved are contacted with details of the ceremony in the fall.
Although diplomas are not distributed and graduates do not wear caps and gowns, the ceremony is a warm and intimate celebration for August graduates and expected December graduates. Following remarks from the President, Provost, and faculty speaker, the honored students are called up to the stage individually to be recognized. Guests and the campus community are invited to a reception with light refreshments after the ceremony concludes.
Students who are recognized at the Midyear Graduates Recognition ceremony are invited and encouraged to participate in the May Commencement exercises and will receive their diplomas at that time. In January, midyear graduates will receive a copy of their transcript showing a December 31, 2026 graduation date, a final GPA, graduation honors if that is appropriate, and a letter from the Registrar confirming that they have completed all requirements for graduation. That documentation should be sufficient for presentation to potential employers or for admission for further study. Official transcripts will be available upon written request.
College Union Building Ballroom will open at 5:00 p.m. for guest seating. No tickets are needed.
Following the ceremony, a professional photographer will be available in the reception area to take formal photographs of students and their families.
