Everything you need to know about the May 9 commencement ceremony
Join the CU ǸԹ campus in honoring our newest graduates at the spring commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 9, where 8,619degrees will be awarded.The eventwill feature CU ǸԹ alumna and correspondent for NBC News and MSNBCSavannah Sellersas the speaker.
The ceremony will honor fall 2018and 2019spring and summer degree candidates, including 6,595bachelor’s degrees, 1,421master’s degrees, 176law degrees and 427doctoral degrees.*
If you go
Stadium
- Stadium gates open at 7 a.m. Guests should be in their seats by 8:15 a.m. The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the publicand does not require tickets.
Security screening,clear bag policy
- Prior to entering the stadium gates, all graduates and guests are subject to security screening, which may include walk-through metal detectors,electronic wanding andinspection of bags or other personal items.
- Folsom Field complies with all TSA and Homeland Security prohibited items lists.The only bags allowed are bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12"x 6"x 12"or one-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic food-storage-type bags.No other bags are permitted—including backpacks, diaper bags and other similar bags.
- A small number of individual lockers will be available onsite to secure items that do not meet security guidelines. Get more details here.
Campus parking,traffic information
- Expect heavy traffic while traveling to ǸԹ, within the city and on campus.Parking attendants will direct you to the available lots in the area as you enter campus.Parking meters and pay stations on campus are free the day of commencement. See thecampus map; getparking and shuttle information.
Join the conversation
- Tag your commencement photos with #ForeverBuffs for a chance to be featured in CU ǸԹ commencement social media efforts.
- Follow @CUǸԹ and @CUǸԹAlumni on Twitter and Instagram.
- If friends or family are unable to attend in person, a will be available.
Tomorrow’s leaders: Class of 2019
Read about just a few of the talented, motivated and innovative students who are graduating and starting on their next adventure.
Logistics
Stadium gates open at 7 a.m. Guests should be in their seats by 8:15 a.m. to watch the student processional. Attendees should leave ample time for traffic, parking and security screening. City and campus roads may be congested for approximately one and a half hours before the ceremony and about an hour afterward.
The only bags allowed are bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12"x 6" x 12"or one-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic food-storage-type bags.No other bags are permitted—including backpacks, diaper bags and other similar bags.
The ceremony is held outdoors regardless of weather, and attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for Colorado’s ever-changing conditions. In the event of heavy rain or snow, an abbreviated ceremony will be held. Follow local media and for any weather-related delays.
Early arrival is recommended.Guests attending departmental recognition ceremonies directly following the main ceremony are encouraged to park in areas near their department ceremony.(Please review the“Department Recognition Ceremonies” webpagefor specific locations.)
Check out the campus map for a visual of the affected areas during commencement.
Commencement speaker
CU ǸԹ alumna Savannah Sellers—correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC and co-host ofStay Tuned, NBC’s Generation Z news brand—will give thecommencement address.
Sellers, who alsohosts NBC News for Universal Kids, the only daily TV news program created specifically for kids, was invited by CU ǸԹ’s Senior Class Council. Shehas covered an array of politics and pop culture topics, ranging from the issue of gun violence in America—with exclusive interviews with several of the students from Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School—to focusing on the trends and social issues most vital to the millennial and Gen Z generations.
At age 27, she is among the university’s youngest commencement speakers—if not the youngest.
College, department ceremonies
Many departments within CU ǸԹ’s to personally recognize their graduates. Students should check with their individual departments for more information.
Cap and gown info
All students are required to wear regalia to participate in the spring 2019 commencement ceremony. Learn more here.
Honorary degrees, University Medal
Stanley Ruttenberg (1926–2017)will be awarded the honorary degree Doctor of Science in recognition of his significant contributions to science, the arts and public service.
Herman A. Shelanskiwill be awarded the honorary degree Doctor of Science in recognition of his leadership and achievements in introducing behavioral science into military decision-making.
Peter Zollerwill be awarded the honorary degree Doctor of Science in recognition of his pioneering work in physics and his enduring association with CU ǸԹ.
KazunoriTakato, a founding member of the Global Ambassadors,will be awarded the University Medal in recognition of his decades of generous service to the University of Colorado and its alumni.
Forever Buffs
More than 250,000 CU ǸԹ alumni are part of theForever Buffscommunity with access to all of the programs, events, benefits and services offered by the Alumni Association dues-free for life.
Alumni facts
- No. 5 all-time for alumni serving in the Peace Corps,with 2,512
- 14 astronauts
Notable alumni
- Byron White, Supreme Court justice
- Matt Stone;co-creator and executive producer,South Park
- Cynthia Lawrence, opera singer
- Roy Romer, Colorado governor
- Kate Brown, Oregon governor
- Mary Decker Slaney, world-class runner
- Rick Reilly, sports writer
- Savannah Sellers,correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC
- Billy Kidd, Olympic skier
- Roberta Ramo, first female president of the American Bar Association
- Jim Gray, television sportscaster for ESPN, CBS and NBC
- Hank Brown, U.S. senator
- David Grusin, composer
- Jeanne Jackson; CEO, Banana Republic,Walmart.com
- More notable alumni
*Note: These figures were updated April 25, 2019.