Schedule of Events

11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Class of 2012 Studio Arts Annual
Widener Gallery, Austin Arts Center (studio arts majors)
Upper Level Gallery Space, Austin Arts Center (studio arts minor)

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Trinity College Chapel Singers Concert
The Chapel

12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Phi Beta Kappa Initiation Luncheon
Washington Room, Mather Hall, second floor
Members are elected from among those students who have achieved the highest general scholastic standing. Election to Phi Beta Kappa is widely regarded as a mark of highest distinction. The Trinity chapter, known as the Beta of Connecticut, was chartered by the Yale chapter, the Alpha of Connecticut, on June 16, 1845, and is the eighth oldest chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in the United States.  Each inductee may bring a maximum of four guests to the luncheon.  Additional guests may attend the initiation ceremony at approximately 12:45 p.m.

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Shakespeare's Second Folio
Watkinson Library, Raether Library and Information Technology Center
On display in the Watkinson Library is the so-called “Second Folio” of Shakespeare, acquired from a Rhode Island family who had owned the book since the Civil War. This is the second edition (1632) of the celebrated “First Folio” (1623), which was the first publication of the collected works of Shakespeare, produced seven years after his death by his fellow actors. Eighteen of the plays had never been printed before, including Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Antony and Cleopatra, and The Tempest. The “Second Folio” was printed when the first edition sold out, and is famous for the dedicatory poem to Shakespeare written in 1630 by John Milton—his very first publication of English verse (he was 24).

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Baccalaureate
The Chapel
The Baccalaureate service honors our graduating seniors and celebrates our community of learning. Students representing various faith traditions will offer their prayers for their class and the College. Arriving early is advised, since seating is limited.

5:15 - 6:30 p.m.
Reception for the Class of 2012 and their families
The President’s House, 133 Vernon Street

6:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Roman Catholic Vigil Mass
The Chapel

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012
9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Service of Holy Communion
The Chapel

10:00 a.m.
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Candidates Formation
Lower Long Walk, near Cinestudio
Wearing academic regalia (caps and gowns), bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates assemble on the Lower Long Walk near Cinestudio for the processional to the Quadrangle.

10:50 a.m.
Academic Procession Begins
The tradition of stepping on The Luther-Roosevelt Long Walk Inscription in front of the Fuller Arch in Northam Towers for the first time on Commencement day continues.  Members of the Trinity community, as well as visitors, have generally avoided stepping on the inscription, perhaps instinctively aware that it is connected with some event in the College’s history.  The inscription in fact commemorates the visit in June 1918 of former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt, who delivered an address and received an honorary degree at Commencement.

11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
186th Commencement Ceremony
The Quadrangle
Commencement is the central and most important event of the Trinity academic year.  The College faculty gathers together with the families and friends of the graduating class to celebrate their achievements in a ceremony that has endured for nearly two centuries.

1:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Post-Commencement Celebration
Soccer Fields

College Reception
Under the Tent, Soccer Fields
President James F. Jones, Jr., Board of Trustees members, and current faculty look forward to meeting your family and congratulating you in person.  A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. 

Individual Receptions
Under the Tents, Soccer Fields

For additional questions, please e-mail calendar-office@trincoll.edu.