Graduation Information

Graduation Ceremony: Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 9 am

If for any reason you are not able to attend a Senior Week event, need accommodations for an event, or would like additional details about an event, please reach out to Upper School Principal Ingrid Gustavson.

Graduation Timeline and Information

8 am: Senior arrival; meet in the McCarthey Campus parlor
8 am: Faculty arrival; meet in the McCarthey Campus faculty lounge
8–9 am: Family/guest arrival, McCarthey Campus quad (front lawn)
9 am: Graduation ceremony, McCarthey Campus quad

Arrival and Parking

All students and faculty are to park in the McCarthey Campus Steiner lot, north of the bus cage.
All guests should park in the south parking lot. The south parking lot features a designated accessible path.
Overflow parking is available at the Steiner Campus Fields (1481 S. Sunnyside Ave).

Graduating Seniors

Upon arrival, head to the McCarthey Campus parlor to receive a white stole to wear during the graduation ceremony. (Stoles will be returned after the group picture.)
Immediately following the ceremony, meet behind the Lower School (across from the playground) to take the official senior group picture.
Seniors are not allowed to decorate their caps. Thank you for your understanding.

Families and Guests

Tickets are not required for graduation.
Seating is open and available on a first-come basis.
Groups of more than eight people will need to use the overflow seating area at the back of the quad.
Restrooms are available inside the school building.
Water will be provided.
Graduation run time is approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
Please let us know ahead of time if anyone in your party requires special accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Photos of Graduation

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is graduation held?
The McCarthey Campus quad (720 Guardsman Way).

What time should my senior arrive for graduation?
Seniors should arrive at 8 am on May 31 and meet in the McCarthey Campus parlor (down the hall of the main entrance). Graduates may arrive fully dressed or may bring their graduation regalia to the parlor (pressed to look their best!).

What time does graduation start?
Graduation begins at 9 am on May 31.

How long will graduation take?
Please plan for an hour and a half.

Is graduation outside?
Yes; please plan accordingly. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and practical shoes are strongly recommended.

What's appropriate attire for the event?
Business casual. For graduates, dress nicely and in accordance with the weather and your comfort. Guest seating and walking will be on grass; therefore, we suggest flats or a chunky heel.

Will graduation be live streamed?
Yes. The live stream link will be shared on the graduation home page just before the event and saved for later viewing.

Is the ceremony wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Please drop off guests at the front drop-off zone for wheelchair access.

Can I take pictures of the commencement ceremony?
Yes, but please do not obstruct anyone's view or disrupt the ceremony. Rowland Hall hires a professional photographer for graduation and will share photos with graduates and their families.

Will there be a reception after the ceremony?
No. Please enjoy this time with your graduate and family.

Do I need to return the cap and gown?
No. We will hand out gowns during a class meeting in May and ask that students bring their gowns (pressed, steamed, or ironed) for the following events:

Wednesday, May 28: Newspaper photo
Thursday, May 29: Baccalaureate ceremony
Saturday, May 31: Graduation

How many people can I bring to graduation?
While we don’t limit guests, we do ask that groups seated in the main area be no larger than eight people. If your group consists of more than eight guests, please use the overflow section in the back.

Who is invited to the Senior Celebration on May 30?
This event is for seniors, faculty, and staff only.

Professional Photos of Graduation

Important Dates:
Senior Week (May 27–31)

Please continue to check this page, as dates and times are subject to change.

SENIOR WEEK AT A GLANCE

TUESDAY, MAY 27

Spring Athletics Wrap-up and Signing Ceremony
11 am, Larimer Center for the Performing Arts

Lincoln Street Campus BBQ
Noon, cafeteria

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

Senior Showcase, Yearbook Dedication, and Tesserae Presentation
11 am, Larimer Center for the Performing Arts

Formal Senior Picture
12:10 pm, Larimer Center stairs (in front of Lincoln Street Campus)
MUST WEAR GOWN

THURSDAY, MAY 29

Baccalaureate
7 pm, St. Margaret’s Chapel, McCarthey Campus

Family & Friends Reception, Hosted by the Alumni Association
Immediately following Baccalaureate

Senior Sunset
Following reception, McCarthey Campus back lawn

FRIDAY, MAY 30

Kindergarten Social
1:30 pm, McCarthey Campus back field

Graduation Rehearsal
2:15 pm, McCarthey Campus quad
MANDATORY FOR ALL SENIORS

Senior Celebration
3:45 pm, Sparrow Field House, McCarthey Campus
Seniors, faculty, and staff only

SATURDAY, MAY 31

Graduation Arrival
8 am, McCarthey Campus parlor
MUST WEAR CAP AND GOWN

Graduation Ceremony
9 am, McCarthey Campus quad