Commencement
SAINT FRANCIS UNIVERSITY
Commencement 2023
Saturday, May 13 & Sunday, May 14
Maurice Stokes Athletic Center DeGol Arena
Family members are welcome. No tickets required!
Video of Ceremonies
Watch the videos of all the ceremonies through the links below.
Key Resources
- Graduation Weekend Schedules
- Common FAQs
- Questions: email us at commencement@francis.edu
Flowers are available via online order through our Bookstore here.
Don't forget! Your graduation photos are just a click away. Use the link below to access your image gallery.
Event Date: May 13, 2023 | May 14, 2023
Text 125588GY23 to 90738* or visit https://galleries.photoday.io/ and enter the access code to get started.
Schedule
Candidates are to arrive one hour prior to your respective ceremony
Saturday, May 13, 2023
9:00 a.m.
- School of Health Science & Education Graduate
- Francis Worldwide School of Continuing Studies - Graduate Health Sciences
Commencement Speaker & Honorary Degree Recipient Ms. Diane Holder, UPMC Health Plan, Pittsburgh PA
10:00 a.m.
- Brunch (Torvian Dining Hall): Cost $9
1:00 p.m.
- School of Health Science & Education Undergraduate
Commencement Speaker & Honorary Degree Recipient
Honorable Judy Ward, Pennsylvania Senate 30th District, Hollidaysburg PA
4:30 p.m.
- Bell Ceremony (weather dependent)
Seniors: meet us at the bell tower across from the entrance to Torvian
5:00 p.m.
- Baccalaureate Mass
Rev. Vincent Yeager, T.O.R., Province Director of Vocations, Washington, D.C.
Graduates and faculty, please arrive by 4:45 wearing academic regalia and sit in reserved section.
Sunday, May 14, 2023
9:00 a.m.
- School of STEAM
- Shields School of Business
- Francis Worldwide School of Continuing Studies
Commencement Speaker
Ms. Joy Thoma, Mastercard International (Ret.), New York
Senior Fun
- Donut Heaven: May 4, 5 & 6 from 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm. in Torvian
- Senior Picnic: May 10 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the JFK Lounge
- Senior Send Off: May 11 from 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm in the Torvian Pavilion and South Quad
Special Ceremonies & Activities
May 2
- President's Award Convocation: May 2, Stokes DeGol Arena, 7:00 p.m.
May 12
- Occupational Therapy Pinning Ceremony Immaculate Conception Chapel, 2:00 pm
- Nurses Pinning Ceremony Immaculate Conception Chapel, 4:00 pm
- Physical Therapy Recognition Ceremony JFK Center Auditorium, 4:30 pm
May 13
- Baccalaureate Mass (all Denominations welcome) Stokes Athletics Center, 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What do I need to do to prepare to graduate?
Please make sure that you have reviewed the materials provided to all seniors:
-
How many family members can I bring?
You may bring as many family members as you like. No tickets are required for Commencement Exercises.
Special seating arrangements will be made for the physically challenged on the main floor of the DeGol Arena. We ask that you restrict the number of guests seated on the floor to one or two people, as seating is limited. Other family members should sit in regular audience seats.
Following the ceremony, the facility will be cleared to allow time to prepare for the next ceremony. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE ARENA BETWEEN CEREMONIES.
-
Where can I purchase graduation announcements, flowers, etc.?
Graduation Announcements
Personalized announcement packages may be purchased through Herff-Jones by visiting their website http://colleges.herffjones.com/college/sfu.
The Saint Francis University Bookstore carries general announcement packets for students who prefer a simpler option.
Flowers
Ordering flowers for a graduate just got easier!
Individual Photo Packages
Lifetouch/PhotoDay will be on hand to capture individual photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma which families will have the option to purchase.
-
Where can my family park on graduation day?
Graduation day parking is available in the commuter parking lot adjacent to the Stokes Athletics Center and in the parking lot adjacent to the JFK Student Center. Those who have difficulty walking or who use a wheelchair may be dropped off near the main entrance of Stokes Athletics Center. University Police will be provide directions. Questions regarding special parking needs can be directed to University Police at (814) 472-3360.
-
How do I stay connected after graduation?
The Office of Alumni Relations is your resource for everything alumni-related. We'll help you make sure that you always remain part of the RedFlash Family!
-
Will my family members be able to watch the ceremony from home?
Yes, we will will be streaming each ceremony live as it happens. A link to watch the ceremonies will be located at the top of this page when it is available to view.
-
How do I request a transcript?
Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. Your new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of your transcript and our obligations under Federal law. The instructions found in the link below will enable you to request your transcript for delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible.
https://www.francis.edu/request-a-transcript
Please make sure that you have reviewed the materials provided to all seniors:
You may bring as many family members as you like. No tickets are required for Commencement Exercises.
Special seating arrangements will be made for the physically challenged on the main floor of the DeGol Arena. We ask that you restrict the number of guests seated on the floor to one or two people, as seating is limited. Other family members should sit in regular audience seats.
Following the ceremony, the facility will be cleared to allow time to prepare for the next ceremony. NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE ARENA BETWEEN CEREMONIES.
Graduation Announcements
Personalized announcement packages may be purchased through Herff-Jones by visiting their website http://colleges.herffjones.com/college/sfu.
The Saint Francis University Bookstore carries general announcement packets for students who prefer a simpler option.
Flowers
Ordering flowers for a graduate just got easier!
Individual Photo Packages
Lifetouch/PhotoDay will be on hand to capture individual photos of each graduate receiving his/her diploma which families will have the option to purchase.
Graduation day parking is available in the commuter parking lot adjacent to the Stokes Athletics Center and in the parking lot adjacent to the JFK Student Center. Those who have difficulty walking or who use a wheelchair may be dropped off near the main entrance of Stokes Athletics Center. University Police will be provide directions. Questions regarding special parking needs can be directed to University Police at (814) 472-3360.
The Office of Alumni Relations is your resource for everything alumni-related. We'll help you make sure that you always remain part of the RedFlash Family!
Yes, we will will be streaming each ceremony live as it happens. A link to watch the ceremonies will be located at the top of this page when it is available to view.
Saint Francis University understands the importance of providing our students with effective and efficient transcript services. Your new career, entrance to Graduate School, professional certification, or other important events depend on the prompt and secure delivery of your transcript. We also understand the need to protect the privacy of your transcript and our obligations under Federal law. The instructions found in the link below will enable you to request your transcript for delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible.
https://www.francis.edu/request-a-transcript