Dear Seniors, Parents, and Family Members, 

As hard as it may be to believe, in about seven months, on Sunday, May 23, we’ll be together at Commencement to mark what is an incredible milestone in your lives. Members of the Class of 2027, I look forward to celebrating your achievements at Swarthmore. Planning for the event is well underway, and I'm writing today to share important details about the weekend, including a change to the ceremony’s start time.

We will again hold Commencement at the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Graduates, their families, and other guests have given overwhelmingly positive feedback on the venue over the past several years, and we’re excited to return there for this year’s ceremony. Located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, about 10 miles from campus, the Mann Center offers a beautiful, outdoor performing arts venue with covered seating that will keep you comfortable and ensure the ceremony can go on, rain or shine. One important change to note as you plan the weekend: Due to logistical considerations, this year’s ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. ET. 

We will provide more details in the months ahead on everything from the ticketing process to transportation to the Countdown to Commencement event we host for seniors in the spring. In the meantime, you can find additional details below and on the Commencement website. You can also email questions to commencement@swarthmore.edu. 

Seniors, you still have much of your final year ahead of you: discoveries in the classroom and lab, victories on the field, performances on stage, and time with the friends who have helped shape your Swarthmore experience. I encourage you to make the most of every part of it. When May arrives, we will be proud to send you forward into the exciting next chapter in your lives.

Sincerely, 

Valerie Smith
President
Roy J. and Linda G. Shanker Presidential Chair

Key Points

• Commencement will take place on Sunday, May 23, at the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. ET. 
• The College will provide transportation between campus and the venue for all seniors, family members, faculty and staff, and guests who need it.
• Doors will open at noon, and a light lunch will be available to all seniors and guests.   
• While we expect to be able to accommodate seating for all guests, tickets are required. Seniors will receive information about the ticketing process later this semester. (Please note that graduating seniors will not need tickets to enter the venue.)
• Please direct all ADA accommodation requests to ADA Program Manager Susan Smythe at ssmythe1@swarthmore.edu.
• All attendees will be subject to the Mann Center’s policies and procedures. Visit the Mann Center website for more information. 
• The ceremony will be livestreamed with simultaneous translation in Spanish and Mandarin.
• Last Collection (Friday, May 21) and Baccalaureate (Saturday, May 22) will take place on campus.