The caps and gowns are ready, and the anticipation is building as Christopher Newport prepares to launch an unforgettable week celebrating the accomplishments of over 1,000 graduates in the Class of 2026.

Commencement at Christopher Newport is student-focused and highly personalized. It combines traditional pomp and circumstance with many of the beloved traditions that Captains treasure. Instead of lengthy speeches, the focus is on the graduates and their guests. Family and friends are invited to the front of the stage when their graduate’s name is called so they can share in that special moment.

“We will welcome your loved ones to Commencement in a way that is distinctly CNU. We do this ‘family style,’ because we are a family,” said President William G. Kelly.

In a letter to graduates, Kelly reminded Captains to savor every moment and to thank those who helped them on their journey.

“This is truly the highlight of the year for all of us, and we know it will be a day filled with memories you will treasure forever. I urge you to take it all in, every tradition, every photo opportunity, every moment with the people at CNU and the people in your life who made this glorious day a reality.”

The 102nd Conferral of Degrees encompasses three ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students and will also mark a major milestone in the life of Christopher Newport, as it is the 65th anniversary of the University's first class.

Commencement Events

The largest event is the Baccalaureate Degree Conferral Ceremony on The Great Lawn. It begins with a grand processional led by bagpipers. This is the walk that starts it all. The procession route begins by the Ferguson Center for the Arts and winds through the campus gates on University Place. Grads then enter the majestic Great Lawn through the McMurran Hall archway. Many guests choose to line the processional route to watch their graduate march the length of the lawn.

The processional is followed by degree conferral, addresses by President Kelly and Board of Visitors Rector Christy T. Morton ‘01, and the singing of the alma mater. The ceremony concludes with a grand recessional featuring the faculty gauntlet, a treasured tradition in which the faculty depart first, then form a line on either side of the pathway where the graduates walk.

Graduates' names are not called during the Conferral Ceremony–that happens later during the Grad Walk, an exciting recent addition to Christopher Newport’s Commencement. The Grad Walk is organized by college blocks. Here’s how it works:

• At their assigned time, graduates join the Grad Walk Queue with their guests and arrive at the stage to have their names read and to receive their diploma covers.
• Graduates are greeted on stage by First Lady Angie Kelly, President Kelly, Rector Morton, and other dignitaries, while their guests are guided to a prime spot in front of the stage for a clear view of the important moment.
• After crossing the stage, graduates are greeted by First Lady Angie Kelly and then reunited with their family members and guests.
• For those with mobility restrictions, there will be a special seating area in front of the stage where they can wait until their group arrives.
• For those joining from afar, the Conferral Ceremony and the Grad Walk will be livestreamed.

Following the Degree Conferral Ceremony and Grad Walk, graduates will reunite with their family and friends and can spend the day together enjoying Christopher Newport traditions, such as the penny toss, visiting the Gregory P. Klich Alumni House, attending departmental receptions, and ringing the bell on campus. Graduates are welcome to bring as many guests as they like, and there will be plenty of activities and celebrations on campus for both graduates and their guests.

Additional ceremonies include:

• A special Athletics Commencement Ceremony for spring season athletes unable to attend Commencement due to competitions will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, and will be livestreamed.
• The Graduate Studies Commencement Ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 15, and will be livestreamed.
• The Latin Honors Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 15, and will be livestreamed.

Commencement caps off a full week of beloved Christopher Newport senior traditions, including the Grad Dash, Field Day, Wednesday Walk with Seniors, the Senior Gift Toast, the Class of ‘76 50th reunion, the President’s Leadership Program Ceremony, the Candlelight Ceremony and fireworks, Latin Honors, and ROTC Commissioning.

Find answers to frequently asked questions, relevant contact information, and lyrics to the alma mater and more on the Commencement website.