Commencement Ceremony
Celebrating Over 100 Years of Tradition
For more than 100 years, the Rosemont College community has celebrated graduation commencement with rich traditions that honor the extraordinary achievements of our graduates. This significant milestone, which students have worked so diligently to reach, is shared with friends, family, faculty, staff, and all those who have supported them along their journey.
Graduation commencement is not just a ceremony; it’s a heartfelt celebration of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our students, marking the beginning of their next chapter. Join us in honoring their success and being part of this timeless tradition.
The Event
The annual Graduation Commencement Ceremony at Rosemont College is held outdoors on Connelly Green in mid May and is listed on the college’s events calendar. Event details will be available on our commencement news feed.
All graduating students (Undergraduate College, Graduate Studies, and School of Professional Studies) can attend the annual “Grad Fair” in early May to pick up their cap and gown. A photographer will capture each graduate’s special moment. Photos can be ordered online after the ceremony, so guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy the event. To ensure an unobstructed view and maintain safety, prohibited items include signs, flags, banners, large balloon displays, alcoholic beverages, coolers, controlled substances, and weapons of any kind. Any such items brought to campus will be confiscated.
Parking, Seating & Virtual Attendance
Parking on campus will be limited; it’s advisable to arrive early and follow instructions from public safety officers. Carpooling, rideshares, or public transportation are encouraged if possible. Guests attending the Commencement Ceremony who need handicapped parking accommodations are asked to email the Office of Public Safety: [email protected]
Seating is not reserved, and tickets are not required for attendance. However, seating is on a first come, first served basis. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed on Rosemont College’s Vimeo profile, the Commencement Showcase, and you can check the Commencement news feed for the latest news. This allows friends, family, and supporters to join in celebrating the graduates’ achievements from anywhere!
Volunteer
Alumni and friends are invited to volunteer for all commencement events, helping to make these special occasions even more memorable. Your involvement can significantly enhance the experience for graduating students and their families.
To volunteer for commencement events, please send an email to: [email protected]
Corporate sponsored volunteering opportunies are avaialable. By volunteering, you contribute to the success of these events and continue to strengthen the bond within the Rosemont community.
Up to Date & Local Information
For the most up to date information on graduation commencement and graduation events, as well as details on the school events calendar, directions, and local information for friends and family, see below and visit our blog. Make sure to show your Rosemont College spirit by wearing your favorite Rosemont swag! Get ready to cheer on your graduate and be part of the celebration!
Baccalaureatte Mass
Rosemont College’s Graduation Commencement Celebrations begin with the Baccalaureate Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Look on the Rosemont College commencement news feed for details. All graduating students, families, faculty, trustees, and staff are invited to attend this special celebration. This special celebration is a meaningful way to begin the graduation commencement festivities, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude for the accomplishments of the graduating class.
Celebrate Your Graduate
Graduation Commencement Speakers
Rosemont College has a rich history of hosting remarkable leaders as commencement speakers. Among them, Joe Biden, who as a US Senator from Delaware, spoke at the ceremony before his tenure as Vice President and President of the United States. More recently, Rosemont welcomed Representative Joanna McClinton, the first female and black Pennsylvania State Speaker of the House, as a distinguished commencement speaker.
Notably, John F. Kennedy, then a US Senator from Massachusetts, attended a Rosemont College commencement where his sister, Patricia Kennedy Lawford, graduated. Each year, Rosemont eagerly anticipates announcing its annual commencement speaker, continuing the tradition of inviting influential figures and guests reflective of the Rosemont Community to inspire and celebrate with the college community.
Inclement Weather Information
Please note the following regarding the Graduation Commencement Ceremony at Rosemont College:
- Location: The ceremony will be held outside on Connelly Green, weather permitting.
- Rain Preparedness: In the event of rain, guests are advised to come prepared with umbrellas and low heeled footwear.
- Clear Plastic Ponchos: Graduates and members of the platform party will be provided with clear plastic ponchos if it rains.
- Indoor Contingency: The ceremony will only be moved indoors if there is severe weather posing a safety threat (such as lightning, hail, or high winds).
Your understanding and readiness for varying weather conditions ensure a smooth and enjoyable Graduation Commencement experience for all participants. Sign up for emergency notifications.
Special Needs & Accommodations for Guests
For guests attending the Graduation Commencement Ceremony at Rosemont College who require handicapped parking accommodations, please follow these instructions:
Request Accommodations: Email the Office of Public Safety at [email protected] at least one week prior to the scheduled graduation commencement ceremony date. Please include your specific needs and contact information in your email.
Usher Assistance: Ushers will be available to assist guests with seating arrangements to ensure a comfortable experience during the ceremony.
Ensuring accessible accommodations is important to us, and we appreciate your proactive approach in requesting these services in advance. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Public Safety.
Spectator Information
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees at Rosemont College’s Graduation Commencement, we kindly request your cooperation with the following guidelines:
No Obstructive Items: Signs, flags, placards, banners, and large balloon displays are not permitted to ensure all guests have an unobstructed view of the ceremony.
Prohibited Items: The following items are strictly prohibited:
-
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coolers
- Controlled substances
- Wrapped gifts/packages
- Artificial noisemakers (including whistles, airhorns, or bullhorns)
- Firearms, fireworks, knives, scissors, needles, razor blades, or any weapons
Confiscation Policy: Any prohibited items brought to campus that pose a safety threat or cause disruption will be confiscated. The possessor will be asked to leave the campus.
Your cooperation with these guidelines helps us ensure a safe and respectful environment for our graduates, their families, and all guests attending graduation commencement. Thank you for helping us celebrate this special occasion smoothly and joyfully.
The Rosemont Experience
At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, effective communication and problem solving are cornerstones to success. That’s why students take classes across multiple disciplines—to learn to approach complex situations from multiple angles. We also recognize the importance of real world experience in preparing you for a career. In fact, every student engages in at least one internship, volunteer effort, or service learning opportunity.
In the Heart of Suburban Philadelphia's Iconic Main Line
- Beautiful 58 acre Main Line campus located in serene suburban Philadelphia.
- Access to world class advanced degree programs through exclusive partnerships.
- Rooted in Catholicism we welcome all faiths and beliefs.
- 14 NCAA Division III men’s and women’s sports teams.
- Coveted 11:1 student to faculty ratio providing an unparalleled educational experience.
- An average class size of 13 ensures a high caliber, personalized education.
"What one is called to do, one is called to do with all their might."
Inspiration from the Venerable Cornelia Connelly, Foundress of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus,
the Sponsoring Congregation of Rosemont College
Find Your Voice. Expand Your World. Transform Your Future.
Your potential is limitless. Join us to unlock it. At Rosemont, you'll have access to mentorship, rigorous academics, and a supportive community that will empower you to reach and achieve your short term and long term personal and professional ambitions. Take the first step toward finding your voice, by expanding your world at Rosemont and transform your future today!




















