Schedule of Events

11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Studio Arts Senior Exhibition
Widener Gallery, Austin Arts Center

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

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Hyam Plutzik: American Poet
Watkinson Library, Raether Library and Information Technology Center
The Watkinson Library's current exhibition is on poet Hyam Plutzik (1911-1962). Plutzik grew up on a farm near Southbury, attending Trinity (Class of 1932) and Yale. In mid-century, he established a poetry series at the University of Rochester that still bears his name. Plutzik died at the age of 50, after the publication of his long poem, "Horatio," which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and considered by many to be his greatest work. Also on display is our superb copy of John James Audubon's Birds of America, and a recent gift of 30 letters from a whaling captain to his wife, sent from Hawaii to Fall River, Massachusetts from 1842-1844.

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.

2:00-3:15 pm
Gridlock in Washington…and What To Do About It?
with honorary degree recipient Michael Dukakis, 65th and 67th Governor of Massachusetts and 1988 Presidential candidate and Department of Political Science and Public Policy and Law Program
Goodwin Theater, Austin Arts Center (NEW LOCATION)

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 2013 and their families
The President’s House, 133 Vernon Street

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

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2013
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 download the Procession Guide.  *new*
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.
187th 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.