Commencement
Commencement May 11, 2024
We are excited to recognize the academic achievement of the graduating class, honor the tradition and meaning of the ceremony, and involve students, families, and University faculty and staff in a formal and festive event!
This year’s commencement speaker will be Richard Y. Newton, III, Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force, Retired. Newton has successfully led thousands of men and women during peacetime and times of crisis. His 34 years in the U.S. Military culminated in his role as the United States Air Force Assistant Vice Chief of Staff.
Newton is Managing Partner, Pioneer Partnership Development Group, a consulting firm in retail and defense industry sectors and Chief Operating Officer of BenchMark5 Management Consulting firm in FL. He is a founding partner of Legends Sports Advocates Group. This consortium purposely develops pro athletes to take control of their personal and financial well-being over a lifetime to flourish beyond sports and influence the people and communities around them.
Newton graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s degree in history, Webster University with an M.A. degree in industrial psychology and human relations, and the National War College with an M.S. in national security strategy.
Livestreams & Program
Watch Your Livestream
Spring 2024 Commencement | Adult & Graduate | 9:30 AM
Spring 2024 Commencement | Traditional Undergraduate & B.E.L.L. | 2:00 PM
Digital Program
Celebrate with Us
Downloads and Links
Redhawks Cap Design Download
Use the hashtag #Roberts2024 to share photos, messages and advice for graduates.
Information for Students
Ceremony Information
- 9:30 am | Adult and Graduate (AGE) Ceremony
Class Speaker - Teyah Brice
- 2:00 pm | Traditional Undergraduate and BELL Program Ceremony
Class Speaker - Daniel Wart
Commencement Speaker
Lt General, USAF (Ret) Richard Newton, III
Director, Victory Funds, Victory Capital Mgt (NASDQ: VCTR)
Please Arrive in Rinker Community Center 45 minutes before your ceremony for lineup.
Regalia
Cap and Gown Orders are open. The website closes on March 23, 2024.
Cap & Gown pick up is in the Roberts Wesleyan University Bookstore on April 29, 2024 in the bookstore located in the upper level of the Voller Athletic Center.
CAP AND GOWNS CAN NOT BE PICKED UP THE DAY OF COMMENCEMENT.
Please use the link below to place your Cap and Gown order online
For any questions regarding your cap and gown orders please contact the Roberts Campus Store staff at roberts@slingshot.edu or at 585-594-6140.
Tickets
Tickets are general admission - free of charge
Students graduating in the 9:30 am AGE ceremony may request up to 6 guest tickets
Students graduating in the 2:00 pm Undergraduate ceremony may request up to 9 guest tickets
Students can reserve guest tickets online using the following form:
2024 Commencement Ticket Request Form
If you have any questions about tickets, please contact Tor Nielsen at 585-594-6532 or Nielsen_Tor@roberts.edu
Special Accommodations
If you have GUESTS who will be attending your graduation who are:
Please make arrangements for them by contacting Samantha Herbert at herbert_samantha@roberts.edu no later than Monday, April 29th so that arrangements can be made for your guests who require accommodations. Please leave a detailed message with a contact phone number in case further details are required. | If you as a GRADUATE have need for a special accommodation, are you:
Please make arrangements for yourself by contacting Martha Smith at Smith_Martha@roberts.edu or by phone at 585.594.6659 no later than Monday, April 29th so that arrangements can be made for you. Please leave a detailed message with a contact phone number in case further details are required. |
Diploma
Diplomas are anticipated to be mailed to graduates by mid to late July. Please notify the RWU Office of Registration at 585-594-6220 if you’ve changed your home address after completing the application for a degree form.
Not Participating?
If you are not planning on participating in your Commencement ceremony on May 11, please email academicaffairs@roberts.edu and copy Tor Nielsen (nielsen_tor@roberts.edu) to request that you graduate in absentia.
Flower Sale
Flowers in ½ dozen bouquets will be available to purchase for $20.00 (check or cash only) for an hour before each ceremony. The sale locations will be outside and inside the Voller Athletic Center Arena. The flower sales will go to the Athletics Department.
Visitor Information
Ceremony Times and Dates
- 9:30 am | Adult and Graduate (AGE) Ceremony
- 2:00 pm | Traditional Undergraduate and BELL Program Ceremony
Special Accommodations
If you have GUESTS who will be attending your graduation who are:
Please make arrangements for them by contacting Samantha Herbert at herbert_samantha@roberts.edu no later than Monday, April 29th so that arrangements can be made for your guests who require accommodations. Please leave a detailed message with a contact phone number in case further details are required. | If you as a GRADUATE have need for a special accommodation, are you:
Please make arrangements for yourself by contacting Martha Smith at Smith_Martha@roberts.edu or by phone at 585.594.6659 no later than Monday, April 29th so that arrangements can be made for you. Please leave a detailed message with a contact phone number in case further details are required. |
Arrival
Please arrive at the Voller Athletic Center at least 30 minutes before the ceremony to ensure you have enough time to have your bags checked and find a seat.
Please refer to this https://www.roberts.edu/about/campus-map/ to find parking lots and the Voller Athletic Center.
Departmental Ceremonies
Nursing Dedication Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremony: Honoring the senior nursing students, and recognizing the junior and sophomore nursing students
Friday, May 10, 2024 at 7:00 pm, Andrews B. Hale Auditorium in the Howard Stowe Roberts Cultural Life Center. Reception immediately following the ceremony in Shewan Recital Hall, Howard Stowe Roberts Cultural Life Center
Grace Stiles is the contact person for this event, School of Nursing x6459, Email: stiles_grace@roberts.edu
Graduate Psychology Hooding Ceremony & Reception
Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Details will be sent by invitation directly to students.
Contact: bisciotti_kelly@roberts.edu or dillenbeck_meg@roberts.edu
Hooding Ceremony and Dessert Reception for MSW Graduates
Friday, May 10th at 7:00PM in the Golisano Community Engagement Center - Rm 102
Details to be sent via email invitation directly to students.
Contact - Ellyn Cornell at cornell_ellyn@roberts.edu or 585-594-6692
Occupational Therapy Doctorate Hooding Ceremony
Friday, May 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Details will be sent directly to students.
For questions contact: haskins_mya@roberts.edu
RN to BS & Graduate Nursing After-Commencement "Meet & Greet"
Saturday, May 11, 2024 immediately following the 9:30 Commencement Ceremony
Location: Crothers Science & Nursing Center, 1st Floor Student Lounge (Rooms 108/110)
Details to be sent via email invitation directly to students
RSVP by May 3, 2024 to Deb Bausch at Bausch_Deborah@roberts.edu or 585-594-6073
Teacher Education Come-and-Go Graduation Reception & Awards Ceremony
Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 11:30am-1:00pm (in between the two commencement ceremonies). Awards will be presented at 12:15pm.
Location: Golisano Community Engagement Center (GCEC) atrium
Details will be sent via email invitation directly to students
RSVP via the email invitation by Tuesday, May 7, 2024 to Sarah George at george_sarah@roberts.edu