Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2026
We're so excited to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2026. The College’s 133rd Commencement Exercises will be on Sat., May 16 at 10 a.m. on the College Quad (rain location: Thomas F. Sullivan Arena)
FULL SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m.
Master of Public Policy Hooding
New Hampshire Institute of Politics
Friday, May 15, 3 p.m.
Honors Convocation and Baccalaureate Mass
Abbot Isaac and the Benedictine monks will celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass to thank God for his many blessings during your time at Saint Anselm College.
College Quadrangle (rain location: Thomas F. Sullivan Arena)
Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m.
Master of Education Hooding
Presidential Dining Room, Davison Hall
Saturday, May 16, 8 a.m.
Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice Hooding
College Green (rain location: Dana Center 1D)
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.
Saint Anselm College’s 133rd Commencement Exercises
College Quadrangle (rain location: Thomas F. Sullivan Arena)
LEARN MORE
Find information about parking, weather plans, bookstore hours and much more.
Dear Parents and Families,
As Saint Anselm College approaches its 133rd Commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2026, it is my sincere hope that it will be a memorable time for your family. With this letter, I offer you a personal invitation to attend the Senior Honors Convocation, Baccalaureate Mass, the Commencement Exercises, and the events surrounding them.
On Friday, May 15th at 3:00 p.m. on the College Quadrangle, the Senior Honors Convocation will recognize the academic achievement of individual members of the undergraduate graduating class. Immediately following the Honors Convocation, Abbot Isaac and the Benedictine monks will concelebrate the Baccalaureate Mass. You are cordially invited to participate in this Mass with us to thank God for his many blessings during your student’s time at Saint Anselm College. In the event of inclement weather, the Senior Honors Convocation and Baccalaureate Mass will be held in the Thomas F. Sullivan Arena with admission of family members and guests by ticket only. The College will also provide, on a first-come, first served basis, access to closed-circuit viewing of these events at several locations on campus.
On Saturday, May 16th, Commencement Exercises will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Weather permitting, these Commencement Exercises will take place outside on the College Quadrangle. In the event of inclement weather, the Exercises will be held in the Thomas F. Sullivan Arena with admission of family members and guests by ticket only. We ask that graduates go to the Registrar’s Office with their College ID starting on Friday, May 1st, to receive three tickets. The College will also provide, on a first-come, first-served basis, access to closed-circuit viewing of the Commencement Exercises at several locations on campus.
You will find additional information on this webpage. We look forward to celebrating these happy events with you.
All the best,
Mark W. Cronin, Ph.D.
Academic Dean and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
In the event of inclement weather, the College will hold the Senior Honors Convocation, Baccalaureate Mass, and Commencement Exercises in the Thomas F. Sullivan Arena, with admission by ticket only. To those with proper college identification, the Registrar's Office will issue three tickets starting on Friday, May 1st. The College will also provide, on a first-come, first served basis, access to closed-circuit viewing of these events at several locations on campus. Tickets are not required if we are able to hold events outside and we do not restrict the number of guests for outside events.
For those with accessibility concerns who may require handicapped parking, please request a parking pass by emailing safety@anselm.edu.
Upon arrival at the campus you will be directed to the appropriate area for drop-off by the Quad prior to parking. Handicapped parking is available in the Visitor Parking Lot across from the Church. Vehicles without an official handicap placard or license plate will need a college parking pass that can be displayed on the driver’s side dashboard of your automobile.
Handicap parking is not guaranteed. Arrive as early as possible to secure parking as it is available on a first come basis. In most cases, you will be able to drop the guest off at the Quad and then proceed to regular parking. Please be aware that the ground may be uneven in areas and you may need to provide walking assistance to your family member. Golf carts will be available in the area to transport guests.
Handicap seating will be signed on the aisle perimeters to accommodate easy access for wheelchairs, walkers and family members but it is not mandatory that you sit in those areas. Seating is available on a first come basis. If seating is not clearly visible, please ask a college representative for assistance.
Handicap restrooms are located in several buildings nearby the Quad in the Goulet Science Building, Grappone Hall, Roger and Francine Jean Student Center, the Coffee Shop, and the lower level of the Church (accessible by elevator).
Honors Convocation and Commencement will have American Sign Language interpreters. We encourage families to contact the Registrar's Office if you require this accommodation.
See a campus map for location of parking lots and buildings →
Seniors Honors Convocation and Baccalaureate Mass will be simulcast in the following locations on campus: Goulet Science Center's Perini Lecture Hall, and the Roger and Francine Jean Student Center's Melucci Theater. In the case on inclement weather, it will also be simulcast in The Dana Center's Koonz Theatre.
Commencement Exercises will be simulcast in the following locations on campus: Goulet Science Center's Perini Lecture Hall, The Dana Center’s Koonz Theatre, and the Roger and Francine Jean Student Center Melucci Theater.
Live online video will be provided of the commencement ceremony for those unable to join us on campus.
Information regarding Cap and Gown and Class Ring ordering will be sent via email by the bookstore.
Friday, May 15th
Coffee Shop 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bookstore 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 16th
Gallo Café 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bookstore 8:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
FUN DOWNLOADS
What This Mat Fits
- Frame size: 8 × 10
- Photo size: 5 × 7
- Mat opening: 5 × 7
Printing Instructions
- Download the 8 × 10 mat from this page
- Print at your local Staples
Required Print Settings
- Paper size: 8 × 10
- Scaling: Actual Size / 100%
- Do NOT select: “Fit to Page”
- Paper type: Heavy cardstock or matte paper
- Finish: Matte (recommended to reduce glare)
Assembly
- Cut out the 5 × 7 opening in the center of the mat
- Place your 5 × 7 photo behind the mat
- Insert both into an 8 × 10 frame
What This Mat Fits
- Frame size: 11 × 14
- Photo size: 8 × 10
- Mat opening: 8 × 10
Printing Instructions
- Download the 11 × 14 mat from this page
- Save the file to your computer or device
- Print at your local Staples
Required Print Settings
- Paper size: 11 × 14
- Scaling: Actual Size / 100%
- Do NOT select: “Fit to Page”
- Paper type: Heavy cardstock or matte paper
- Finish: Matte
Assembly
- Cut out the 8 × 10 opening in the center of the mat
- Place your 8 × 10 photo behind the mat
- Insert both into an 11 × 14 frame
PLAN AHEAD FOR COMMENCEMENT
We’ve put together a list of recommended hotels and restaurants to make your trip to Manchester as easy and delicious as possible!
UNDERGRADUATE INFORMATION
SENIOR SEND-OFF AND INDUCTION INTO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
11:00 a.m. Davison Hall
Brunch and Champagne Toast
Hosted by the Alumni Association and yAnselmian Council.
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations: alumni@anselm.edu.
SENIOR HONORS CONVOCATION
3:00 p.m. College Quadrangle (weather permitting, rain location Thomas F. Sullivan Arena)
All members of the graduating class will assemble at 2:30 p.m. in the Carr Center. If the weather is inclement, graduands will assemble in Thomas F. Sullivan Arena using the rear entrance that is located across from the Grappone Stadium.
The cap and gown are worn for the convocation. The hood is not worn on this occasion. Honor society cords, medals, medallions or other paraphernalia are not to be worn. The procession to the College Quadrangle (or within Thomas F. Sullivan Area) will begin at 2:50 p.m.
BACCALAUREATE MASS
Immediately following the Honors Convocation, the Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated on the College Quadrangle (weather permitting, rain location Thomas F. Sullivan Arena). Parents and guests are cordially invited to attend both the Convocation and the Mass.
If inclement weather forces the College officials to decide on an indoor Honors Convocation and Baccalaureate Mass, three tickets for the Thomas F. Sullivan Arena will to be available to each member of the graduating class. These tickets will be released only to Undergraduate Seniors. Please inform relatives and friends that admission to the Thomas F. Sullivan Arena will be by ticket only. Simulcast of the ceremonies will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at several locations on campus.
RECEPTION
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE BACCALAUREATE MASS – CARR CENTER
Graduands, parents, guests, faculty and staff are invited to attend a reception. Light refreshments will be served.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
The list of names of graduands and their places in the line of march will be emailed to you and posted in the Carr Center. It is the responsibility of the graduands to note their rows and their places in the rows. Graduands wear cap, gown and hood. Check out this video for a tutorial on how to put on your hood. Honor society cords, medals, medallions or other paraphernalia are not to be worn.
9:00 a.m.
Graduands will assemble in the Carr Center. The presentation of diplomas will require that the graduands be arranged in a strictly alphabetical order. An administrator will be available to establish the order of march and to verify that everyone is properly attired in cap, gown and hood, and in the proper place. If the weather is inclement, graduands will assemble in Sullivan Arena using the rear entrance that is located across from the Grappone Stadium.
9:50 a.m.
The Commencement Exercises will begin at 9:50 a.m. with the procession to the platform area. Marshals will escort the graduands to the seats reserved near the front of the stage. There are two moves that assure the success of the graduation ceremony:
- Each graduand moves into the row designated by the marshal.
- Each chair in each row is filled.
Following the Commencement Address, marshals will guide the graduands, row by row, to a station near the platform. As each name is announced, the graduand comes forward be recognized by the President of the College and returns to the designated chair. Marshals will guide the graduands throughout the process.
Post-Commencement Exercises
After the recessional, students may proceed to the Carr Center to pick up their physical diploma.
GRADUATE STUDENT INFORMATION
Wednesday – May 6, 2026
7:00 p.m. New Hampshire Institute of Politics
Students should wear or have their caps and gowns. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday – May 16, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Campus Green (weather permitting, rain location Dana Humanities Center 1D)
Students should wear or have their caps and gowns. RSVPs will be required and the Criminal Justice department will communicate regarding ticketing information should the event have to be moved indoors. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday – May 16, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Presidential Dining Room, Davison Hall
Students should wear or have their caps and gowns and bring their hoods. Light refreshments will be served.
The list of names of graduands and their places in the line of march will be emailed to you and posted in the Carr Center. It is the responsibility of the graduands to note their rows and their places in the rows. Graduands wear cap, gown and hood. Check out this video for a tutorial on how to put on your hood. Honor society cords, medals, medallions or other paraphernalia are not to be worn.
9:00 a.m.
Graduands will assemble in the Carr Center. The presentation of diplomas will require that the graduands be arranged in a strictly alphabetical order. An administrator will be available to establish the order of march and to verify that everyone is properly attired in cap, gown and hood, and in the proper place. If the weather is inclement, graduands will assemble in Sullivan Arena using the rear entrance that is located across from the Grappone Stadium.
9:50 a.m.
The Commencement Exercises will begin at 9:50 a.m. with the procession to the platform area. Marshals will escort the graduands to the seats reserved near the front of the stage. There are two moves that assure the success of the graduation ceremony:
- Each graduand moves into the row designated by the marshal.
- Each chair in each row is filled.
Following the Commencement Address, marshals will guide the graduands, row by row, to a station near the platform. As each name is announced, the graduand comes forward be recognized by the President of the College and returns to the designated chair. Marshals will guide the graduands throughout the process.
Post-Commencement Exercises
After the recessional, students may proceed to the Carr Center to pick up their physical diploma.
PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION
The College works with GradImages to take individual photos of each student crossing the stage with their diploma and the College President. After the ceremony, students will receive an email from GradImages with information on how to purchase these photos.
In addition, the College hires photographers to take candid photos throughout the ceremonies. These complimentary images will be available to families on the commencement web page after the event.
MILITARY COMMISSIONING
If you will be commissioning into military service after graduation, we ask that you inform the Academic Dean’s Office (dean@anselm.edu) so that we can make an acknowledgement as part of the graduation ceremony.
HIRED HAWKS
Whenever you accept a job, graduate school, volunteer service or enter the military, let us know! We would love to celebrate your future endeavors by sharing your story and tips to current students.
Complete the form →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- For questions regarding Honors Convocation, Commencement and scheduling, please contact the Academic Dean’s Office.
- For accessibility accommodations and parking, please contact Campus Safety and Security.
- All other questions are best directed to the Academic Dean’s Office.
The event is typically just under an hour long and is immediately followed by the Baccalaureate Mass. Mass is also typically just under an hour.
No, however family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend. Most graduating students do opt to participate in this event which is also attended by the faculty, administrators, and members of the monastic community. Students inducted into honor societies are also recognized as part of this event.
No, this is not required. There is just a brief musical interlude between Honors Convocation and the Baccalaureate Mass and most who attend Honors Convocation remain for the Baccalaureate Mass. We invite graduates, family and friends to participate in this Mass to thank God for His many blessings during the student’s time at Saint Anselm College. There is a reception with light refreshments for families and guests as well as faculty and staff of the College following the Mass.
The ceremony is typically just over two hours long.
Students can pick up their diploma at the Carr Center after they process out of the commencement ceremony.
Yes. The College works with GradImages to take individual photos of each student crossing the stage with their diploma and the College President. After the ceremony, students will receive an email from GradImages with information on how to purchase these photos.
In addition, the College hires photographers to take candid photos throughout the ceremonies. These complimentary images will be available to families on the commencement web page after the event.
It depends. If we’re able to hold events outdoors, no tickets are required and there is no limit placed on the number of guests. If we are forced to move events inside due to inclement weather, three tickets will be issued to each graduate. Tickets are available from the Registrar’s Office beginning May 1. Whether rain or shine, all events will also be simulcast in locations across campus and streamed live on the college website.