What does the SPH Commencement Ceremony entail?
• Graduates and faculty gather at 4 p.m. to dress in their academic apparel before the ceremony. Light hors d’oeuvres are served. This is a wonderful way for students and faculty to socialize and prepare for the ceremony. • The commencement ceremony begins at 5 p.m., with faculty leading students in procession. Dean John Finnegan welcomes graduates/guests, a SPH student speaker addresses the audience, and the commencement speaker (TBD) delivers the commencement address. There will be live music playing on and off throughout the ceremony. • Each graduate then crosses the stage as his/her name is announced, shakes hands with a delegation of dignitaries, and receives a temporary proxy diploma. Ph.D. students are hooded on stage. The ceremony ends after the graduates recite the Public Health Pledge. • A reception immediately following the ceremony provides light refreshments. The whole event ends in time (about 6:30 – 7 p.m.) for families to go out for dinner or make other celebration plan
