Commencement

Marietta College's traditional graduation ceremony takes place in May. A commencement speech offers encouragement to the students before they receive their degrees and become members of Marietta College's Long Blue Line. Marietta also has an informal Fall Graduation ceremony for students who complete their academic requirements before the spring.

2023 Commencement

Marietta College will celebrate the Class of 2023 with a traditional academic Commencement ceremony starting at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 6th, in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. Doors open to the public at 11:00 a.m. We regret that we will be unable to host a reception following the ceremony; we hope you will be able to join us for The Long Blue Line Brunch before the ceremony.

Currently, tickets are not required, and there is no limit on the number of guests who can attend. However, this is subject to change based on federal, state, and local guidelines should circumstances warrant. Please check back frequently for updates.

For family and friends unable to attend Commencement, Marietta College will live stream the Commencement ceremony. The link will be available on this page on the day of the event. Please contact the Records Office at records@marietta.edu or 740.376.4723 with any questions about commencement.

Accessible Parking & Seating

Accessible parking will be provided for the Commencement Ceremony in the Mass Media parking lot and behind the McDonough Center and Admission House. An official accessible identification sign or sticker must be visible in the vehicle. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Shuttles will be available from the parking area to the DBRC entrance. If a shuttle is not present when you arrive or is needed from general parking, please call 740.376.3333 to request a pickup.

Accessibility seating will be available immediately behind the graduate seating area. Seating in this section is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is set up for the individual needing accommodation and one or two other individuals. This area is NOT intended for large family groups; we ask that additional chairs not be moved into this area. A wheelchair will be available at the entrance for those who may need assistance navigating to the seating area.

Commencement Speaker

TBA

Commencement-related activities are outlined below. More details will be added as they become available.

The Long Blue Line Brunch

May 6, 2023 @ 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Marietta College Office of Alumni Engagement and Alumni Association Council cordially invites the Class of 2023 and their families to attend The Long Blue Line Brunch, a celebration of the graduates. The buffet brunch will be held on Saturday, May 6th, between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Fenton Court in Ban Johnson Arena.

Graduating seniors will receive complimentary tickets courtesy of the Marietta College Alumni Association Council. Additional tickets for family and friends may be purchased for $20.00 per person using the link below. Attendees must register by April 24, 2023.

Click Here to Register

For more information, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 740-376-4449 or alumni@marietta.edu.

Academic Regalia Orders

A Navy blue cap and gown are required for all graduation ceremony participants. A payment of $60 will be due when the regalia is picked up. The College covers the remainder of the cost.

In addition to the navy cap, gown, and tassel, undergraduates will wear white satin stoles embroidered with “Class of 2023” and the College seal. The cost of the stole is included in the amount noted above. Class rings can be ordered at https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1049053/Marietta-college/. Announcements and diploma frames can be ordered at herff.ly/marietta.

Please contact the Marietta College Bookstore at 740.376.4528 for additional information.

GradFest — TBA

Jewett Speech Competition

The Jewett Speech Competition is one of the oldest commencement traditions at Marietta College. The first and second-place winners of the Jewett competition will present their speeches in-person at the commencement ceremony.

The contest to choose the Jewett speakers for the Class of 2023 will be held in the spring. Additional information concerning the competition can be found on the Jewett Prize page or by contacting Dr. Cheongmi Shim (cs009@marietta.edu).

Commencement Photography

Bruce Heflin Photography will be taking photographs for purchase of each graduate as they receive their diploma and cap & gown photos, as well as candid photos throughout the ceremony. Graduates will be receiving a QR code prior to the ceremony that will allow them to register up to 14 cell phone numbers and/or email addresses where candid images will be sent the day of the ceremony. This is a great way to include friends and family who cannot attend. No purchase is required to participate in sharing of candid photos.

Celebrate Your Graduate!

The Commencement Group will be on site with a variety of graduation gifts available for purchase to celebrate this milestone in your graduate’s life.

To further contribute to a safe and efficient experience, we are strongly encouraging customers to take advantage of the online pre-order service. We will have a contact-free customer experience for guests who are simply picking up their pre-purchased and reserved product. The pre-order link is: https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/mariettacollege/