Baccalaureate Service : 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 19th
Commencement: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 20th
Message from the President and Provost
On behalf of the Southern Methodist University community, we invite you to attend SMU’s 102nd annual Commencement Weekend, May 19 and 20, 2017. The activities that make up Commencement Weekend showcase some of the University’s best traditions and are designed to recognize the pride we all feel in our students’ accomplishments.
The Baccalaureate Service on Friday evening enables graduating seniors and their guests to worship together. Later, as these seniors march through the Rotunda of Dallas Hall for the tradition known as Rotunda Recessional, they mark the end of their undergraduate years and the beginning of their lifelong association with SMU as alumni.
On Saturday morning, the University Commencement Convocation assembles degree candidates from all of SMU’s schools and professional programs. Moody Coliseum becomes transformed by the pageantry of students and faculty in academic regalia marching behind the colorful banners of their respective schools, accompanied by music and applause from their families.
The personal attention so important to SMU takes center stage at ceremonies later in the day, when schools and departments individually recognize each graduate.
The spirit of community combined with our celebration of the individual is what makes SMU’s Commencement a special time. We hope you will join us in May as we pay tribute to the members of the SMU Class of 2017! We extend our warmest wishes as you celebrate this joyous occasion.
Sincerely,