When and where is Commencement?

Commencement will be on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the exhibition halls at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. The schedule of ceremonies is as follows: Undergraduate ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Graduate ceremony at 2 p.m.

Are tickets required for Commencement, and how do I get them?

Yes, tickets are required to enter the May 17 Commencement ceremonies at the Saint Paul RiverCentre exhibition halls. Graduates were given an opportunity to claim tickets for themselves and guests, and the ticketing site has now closed. If you are a grad and you missed the opportunity to claim your tickets, email us at commencement@hamline.edu, and we’ll do our best to help you. For guests who wish to watch the ceremonies, we will be livestreaming and have a link appearing on this website as we get closer to May 17. A video recording will be available after Commencement here as well.

How do I get to Commencement? Where should I park?

The RiverCentre provides directions and parking and transportation details on its website. To locate the exhibition halls from the RiverCentre parking ramp, take the elevator on the north side of the parking ramp to the skyway. Proceed through the skyway and follow the directional signage to the lobby to have your ticket scanned before entering the ceremony space. Tip: The RiverCentre parking ramp is next to the Science Museum of Minnesota parking ramp. If you mistakenly park in the science museum ramp, it does not connect via the skyway, and you'll have a longer walk outside.

How do I learn about accessibility at Commencement?

To learn about accessibility at the RiverCentre, visit the RiverCentre’s accessibility/ADA services web page.

Are there restrictions on what I can bring to the Commencement ceremony?

For the safety and security of all attendees, we will implement enhanced screening measures, including metal detectors, at the entrance. Graduates should only bring what is absolutely necessary and can fit under their seats. For all Commencement attendees, bag sizes are limited to no larger than 12”x12”x6”, and all of the items listed below are subject to search: 12”x12”x6” or smaller purses 12”x12”x6” or smaller clear bags Diaper bags Medical bags Belt Bags (fanny packs) Empty water bottles Prohibited items include: Backpacks, Items larger than 12”x12”x6” Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, pepper spray, mace, chains, spikes, etc. Food or beverage Cans, glass bottles, coolers, and similar containers Air horns, noise makers, balloons, and inflatable items Laser pointers Pets (other than service animals) Masks intended for disguise or concealment, worn over or covering the face to hide a person's identity Umbrellas over 18 inches when collapsed or with a sharp edge Knitting or crochet equipment Any other items deemed inappropriate or dangerous by Convention Center personnel, in their sole discretion

If I graduate in December, how will I learn details about Commencement?

Continue to check your Hamline email after you graduate, as that is the official way the university communicates with you about event details. Emails will come from commencement@hamline.edu. Sometimes recent grads overlook the annual password reset requirement. This blocks access to their Hamline email, and communications are missed. To avoid this happening, periodically check your Hamline email and reset your password before the deadline. If you need assistance reactivating your account, contact csd@hamline.edu.

What paperwork do I need to graduate?

Undergraduate students: If you have not already, apply for degree completion in Workday. This is a critical step to graduate; it will ensure your name is in the program and register you to receive emails about Grad Fair and Commencement. Graduate students: Please submit your intent to graduate form. This is a critical step to graduate; it will ensure your name is in the program and register you to receive emails about Commencement. Contact your graduate advisor if you have questions regarding the intent to graduate form.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas are ordered once degree requirements have been verified for all graduating students. This is typically two weeks after the final grading deadline for each term. Once diplomas have been ordered, it takes approximately four to six weeks for them to arrive. Please email registrar@hamline.edu with any questions.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

Yes, the links to the ceremonies are here and will go live before each ceremony: Undergraduate ceremony livestream (10:30 a.m.) Graduate ceremony livestream (2 p.m.)

What are the regalia attire guidelines?

Graduating students are required to wear a black cap and gown to the Commencement ceremony. Students are permitted to decorate their caps to positively represent their Hamline University experience. Decorations must be flat on top of the cap so as not to obstruct the view of others. Approved organizations and academic societies distribute regalia pieces (e.g., stoles, cords, tassels, pins, medals) directly to the students who qualify for them. To honor our graduates and to create a respectful environment for members of our community on this special occasion, the images, symbols, and words that show the following are prohibited: Profanity, nudity, sexual innuendos, or rude comments Alcohol- and/or drug-related references Political references Content that advocates drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior that is harmful to the safety of students Any symbols, words, etc., that represent any group/organization external to Hamline University Hamline reserves the right to prohibit students from wearing regalia adornments if they are deemed inappropriate beyond the list noted above. Students will be required to remove the unacceptable items to participate in the ceremony.

How long will the ceremony last?

The undergraduate ceremony will be around two hours. The graduate ceremony is expected to be around one hour.

What time will doors open for the ceremony?

The doors will open to guests one hour prior to each ceremony. Graduates should report to the grad line-up area one hour before the ceremony as well. Detailed day-of instructions will be sent to grads in early May.

Is a prayer or reflection space available at the Commencement ceremony site?

A designated prayer room will be available for students, families, and guests. In the RiverCentre, take the elevator to the fourth floor and enter room #4.

How do I know if I'm graduating with Latin Honors?

Latin honors are officially awarded upon completion of all degree requirements. Latin honors are only awarded at the undergraduate level. Those who qualify will be given a gold tassel for their mortarboard on Commencement day. Contact the registrar at registrar@hamline.edu with questions.

Is photography allowed during the ceremony? Will there be professional photography at Commencement?

You may take photographs from your seat. It is important to remain seated and not approach the stage to create a safe and positive viewing experience for other guests. Professional photographers will be at the ceremony to take photos of graduates crossing the stage and receiving their diplomas. Those images are available for order through the GradImages website. We will also have more candid photos captured and made available on this web page after Commencement.

Commencement and Graduation

Commencement ceremonies 2025

Undergraduate Livestream – 10:30 a.m. Graduate Livestream – 2 p.m.

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Welcome to Commencement 2025! We are excited to celebrate our graduates!

We will celebrate the following graduates:

December 2024
May 2025
Summer 2025

In addition to Commencement, please join us the evening before for the Multifaith Baccalaureate Ceremony.

Student with graduation cap holding up diploma and smiling while friend snaps photo

Guest speaker

The Honorable Tina Smith

Senator Tina Smith has served in the United States Senate since 2018. Originally from New Mexico, she lived in several states before attending Stanford University and then the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, where she met her husband, Archie. In 1984, they moved to Minnesota, where she first worked at General Mills before starting her own small business and later becoming an executive at Planned Parenthood.

As someone who believes politics should improve people’s lives, it didn’t take long for her to become active in her community. She began organizing often-ignored apartment complexes for a state Senate candidate and helped secure a narrow victory through her organizing before going on to manage multiple political campaigns.

Tina later served as chief of staff to Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, then joined Mark Dayton’s campaign for governor, ultimately being named his chief of staff when he assumed office in 2011. Tina would go on to run for office for the very first time in 2014 as Governor Dayton’s running mate. She was elected Minnesota’s 48th Lieutenant Governor in 2015 before being appointed to the United States Senate midway through her term.

Senator Tina Smith

The decision to move to Minnesota laid the foundation for a life rooted in public service. Nearly four decades later, serving Minnesotans as their U.S. Senator may have been unexpected, but it’s a job she truly loves. She has prioritized traveling across the state to listen to Minnesotans and transform what she’s learned into laws that have made health care more accessible, expanded broadband access to those living in rural and underserved communities, boosted workforce development programs to prepare students for in-demand careers, and passed the most significant climate legislation in U.S. History. With more than 70 bills and provisions signed into law, her successful bipartisan legislative record has improved people’s lives in every corner of Minnesota. She has also been a progressive leader fighting for racial justice, women’s reproductive rights, and a clean energy future.

Tina and Archie have two sons, three grandsons, one granddaughter, and a lively chocolate lab named Moose. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and birdwatching in the summer, skiing and ice fishing in the winter, and frequently visits the Boundary Waters. You may find her eating donuts, enjoying hot cinnamon candy, snacking on potato chips, or sipping on a cold Minnesota beer.

Commencement 2025 student speakers

Undergraduate student speaker

Anna Deibert

Anna Deibert is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in psychology and communications and a minor in Spanish. Her hometown is Spring Green, Wisconsin. During her last four years at Hamline, Anna participated in New Student Programs as a new student mentor and a student coordinator. She served as a student leader for Hamline’s chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and was president of Hamline’s chapter of Psi Chi, a national honor society for psychology students. Anna was a dedicated Hamline A Cappella Choir member and acted in six theater productions through the performance, production, and community department. As a community-driven leader, she plans to continue working with people in an internal communications role in Madison, Wisconsin.

Graduate student speaker

Josiah Wiest '23

Josiah Wiest is a dedicated high school English teacher in the Twin Cities metro area. He is graduating with his Master of Arts in Teaching from Hamline University, where he also earned his undergraduate degree in education and English and communication studies. During his time as a student, Josiah was selected as an Edmondson Heim Education Fellow. Equitable teaching practices are at the core of Josiah’s educational philosophy. His master’s thesis, "Bridging the Divide: Addressing the Achievement Gap Amidst Educational Resegregation in the Twin Cities," focuses on the experiences of Black and Brown students in racially segregated schools. This research has profoundly influenced his perspective as an educator. While Josiah is passionate about teaching, he envisions a future where he may work in administration or educational reform. His research experiences at Hamline ignited his interest in educational research, and he hopes to pursue this avenue further in his career. This summer, he will begin a Master of Science in Special Education program at Bethel University and an additional teaching license.

Multifaith Baccalaureate Ceremony

Friday, May 16 at 4 p.m.

One of the joys of Commencement is the Hamline Multifaith Baccalaureate service, which expresses gratitude and blessing for the graduating seniors, their families and friends, and Hamline faculty and staff. Graduating seniors from diverse religious and spiritual identities participate as readers and speakers, along with Dr. Murray, the Hamline University Board of Trustees, Minnesota Annual Conference United Methodist Church representatives, and a special speaker from the Hamline staff and faculty.

This year, the service will be held in the Anderson Center Forum on Friday, May 16, at 4 p.m., with a post-service reception of appetizers and refreshments. This event is a great opportunity for graduates to take photos in their caps and gowns with family and friends.

Commencement FAQs

Commencement will be on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the exhibition halls at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. The schedule of ceremonies is as follows:
- Undergraduate ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
- Graduate ceremony at 2 p.m.
Yes, tickets are required to enter the May 17 Commencement ceremonies at the Saint Paul RiverCentre exhibition halls. Graduates were given an opportunity to claim tickets for themselves and guests, and the ticketing site has now closed.

If you are a grad and you missed the opportunity to claim your tickets, email us at commencement@hamline.edu, and we’ll do our best to help you.

For guests who wish to watch the ceremonies, we will be livestreaming and have a link appearing on this website as we get closer to May 17. A video recording will be available after Commencement here as well.
The RiverCentre provides directions and parking and transportation details on its website.

To locate the exhibition halls from the RiverCentre parking ramp, take the elevator on the north side of the parking ramp to the skyway. Proceed through the skyway and follow the directional signage to the lobby to have your ticket scanned before entering the ceremony space.

Tip: The RiverCentre parking ramp is next to the Science Museum of Minnesota parking ramp. If you mistakenly park in the science museum ramp, it does not connect via the skyway, and you'll have a longer walk outside.
To learn about accessibility at the RiverCentre, visit the RiverCentre’s accessibility/ADA services web page.
For the safety and security of all attendees, we will implement enhanced screening measures, including metal detectors, at the entrance. Graduates should only bring what is absolutely necessary and can fit under their seats. For all Commencement attendees, bag sizes are limited to no larger than 12”x12”x6”, and all of the items listed below are subject to search:
- 12”x12”x6” or smaller purses
- 12”x12”x6” or smaller clear bags
- Diaper bags
- Medical bags
- Belt Bags (fanny packs)
- Empty water bottles
Prohibited items include:
- Backpacks, Items larger than 12”x12”x6”
- Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, pepper spray, mace, chains, spikes, etc.
- Food or beverage
- Cans, glass bottles, coolers, and similar containers
- Air horns, noise makers, balloons, and inflatable items
- Laser pointers
- Pets (other than service animals)
- Masks intended for disguise or concealment, worn over or covering the face to hide a person's identity
- Umbrellas over 18 inches when collapsed or with a sharp edge
- Knitting or crochet equipment
- Any other items deemed inappropriate or dangerous by Convention Center personnel, in their sole discretion
Continue to check your Hamline email after you graduate, as that is the official way the university communicates with you about event details. Emails will come from commencement@hamline.edu.

Sometimes recent grads overlook the annual password reset requirement. This blocks access to their Hamline email, and communications are missed. To avoid this happening, periodically check your Hamline email and reset your password before the deadline. If you need assistance reactivating your account, contact csd@hamline.edu.
Undergraduate students: If you have not already, apply for degree completion in Workday. This is a critical step to graduate; it will ensure your name is in the program and register you to receive emails about Grad Fair and Commencement.

Graduate students: Please submit your intent to graduate form. This is a critical step to graduate; it will ensure your name is in the program and register you to receive emails about Commencement. Contact your graduate advisor if you have questions regarding the intent to graduate form.
Diplomas are ordered once degree requirements have been verified for all graduating students. This is typically two weeks after the final grading deadline for each term. Once diplomas have been ordered, it takes approximately four to six weeks for them to arrive. Please email registrar@hamline.edu with any questions.
Yes, the links to the ceremonies are here and will go live before each ceremony:

Undergraduate ceremony livestream (10:30 a.m.)
Graduate ceremony livestream (2 p.m.)
Graduating students are required to wear a black cap and gown to the Commencement ceremony. Students are permitted to decorate their caps to positively represent their Hamline University experience. Decorations must be flat on top of the cap so as not to obstruct the view of others. Approved organizations and academic societies distribute regalia pieces (e.g., stoles, cords, tassels, pins, medals) directly to the students who qualify for them.

To honor our graduates and to create a respectful environment for members of our community on this special occasion, the images, symbols, and words that show the following are prohibited:
- Profanity, nudity, sexual innuendos, or rude comments
- Alcohol- and/or drug-related references
- Political references
- Content that advocates drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior that is harmful to the safety of students
- Any symbols, words, etc., that represent any group/organization external to Hamline University
Hamline reserves the right to prohibit students from wearing regalia adornments if they are deemed inappropriate beyond the list noted above. Students will be required to remove the unacceptable items to participate in the ceremony.
The undergraduate ceremony will be around two hours. The graduate ceremony is expected to be around one hour.
The doors will open to guests one hour prior to each ceremony. Graduates should report to the grad line-up area one hour before the ceremony as well. Detailed day-of instructions will be sent to grads in early May.
A designated prayer room will be available for students, families, and guests. In the RiverCentre, take the elevator to the fourth floor and enter room #4.
Latin honors are officially awarded upon completion of all degree requirements. Latin honors are only awarded at the undergraduate level. Those who qualify will be given a gold tassel for their mortarboard on Commencement day. Contact the registrar at registrar@hamline.edu with questions.
You may take photographs from your seat. It is important to remain seated and not approach the stage to create a safe and positive viewing experience for other guests.

Professional photographers will be at the ceremony to take photos of graduates crossing the stage and receiving their diplomas. Those images are available for order through the GradImages website. We will also have more candid photos captured and made available on this web page after Commencement.

Photosensitivity warning: There will be flash photography at the Commencement ceremonies.

This page was last updated 5/12/25.

Contact information

Conference and Event Management

651-523-2474

commencement@hamline.edu