Schedule of Events

Saturday, May 17, 2025

11:00–11:30 a.m.
The Chapel Singers in Concert

The Chapel
Founded in 1825, The Chapel Singers is Trinity College’s oldest student organization. The group sings at major College occasions and Chapel services and concerts, makes recordings, and performs on tours. This short concert celebrates the choir’s graduating members and features a variety of repertoire from this academic year’s performances.

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Phi Beta Kappa Initiation Luncheon and Ceremony

Mather Hall, Washington Room
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. 

2:00–3:00 p.m.
2025 Senior Parent Gift Committee Brick Dedication Ceremony and Reception with President Joanne Berger-Sweeney

Lower Long Walk, near entrance to Raether Library and Information Technology Center
(Extreme Weather Location: Raether Library and Information Technology Center, Engelhard Reading Room)
The 2025 Parents Senior Tribute Gift Campaign gives parents and families a way to make a lasting and meaningful difference at the College in honor of their graduating students. To honor all of our seniors, every graduate will have their name engraved on a brick that will last in perpetuity at the College. Gather at the top of the Lower Long Walk with your senior for the brick unveiling ceremony and reception with light refreshments. Read more about the Senior Brick Dedication at Senior Parents Gift Committee.

4:00–5:00 p.m
Baccalaureate

The Chapel
The Trinity College Baccalaureate seeks to honor our scholars in community—both students and faculty. This occasion of celebration reflects our academic environment, invites thanksgiving, and includes elements of the rich diversity of spiritual, religious, and ethical thinking embodied by our community. We welcome all students, faculty, and staff, as well as family, friends, and visitors. 

5:00–6:00 p.m
International Families Reception

Cornelia Center, 114 Vernon Street
The Office of International Students and Scholars and the Career and Life Design Center invite international families to celebrate their graduates! Please join us for an informal reception to honor the Class of 2025 and to congratulate them on all of their achievements at Trinity. Refreshments will be served.

Sunday, May 18, 2025

10:00 a.m.
Degree Candidates Formation

Lower Long Walk, near Cinestudio
Wearing academic regalia (caps and gowns), bachelor’s degree candidates assemble on the Lower Long Walk near Cinestudio for the processional to the Main Quad.

10:50 a.m.
Academic Procession Begins

Long Walk
The tradition of stepping on the Luther-Roosevelt Long Walk inscription in front of the Fuller Arch at Northam Towers for the first time on Commencement day continues. Members of the Trinity community, as well as visitors, generally have 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 U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who delivered an address the day before Commencement and received an honorary degree at the ceremony.

11:00 a.m.
The 199th Commencement Ceremony

The Main Quad
(Extreme Weather Location: Koeppel Community Sports Center, 175 New Britain Avenue)
Commencement is the central and most important event of the Trinity academic year. Those in the graduating class gather with their families and friends and the College faculty to celebrate their achievements in a ceremony that has endured for nearly two centuries.

1:30–4:00 p.m.
Post-Commencement College Celebration

Grass Practice Field
Enjoy music and conversation with professors and administrators. A light lunch and refreshments are provided.

7:00 p.m.
Residential Communities Close

Residents must leave campus by 7:00 p.m. ID card access is terminated from all buildings on campus at this time. Requests from students to remain on-campus beyond this date will not be approved.