Graduation 2023

Class of 2023 Graduates and Parents:

There is no time more special on campus each year than Bolles Graduation. This is a season of cherished traditions, lifelong reflection and celebration. Each year, Bolles honors distinguished new alumni who are ready to blaze their own trails and make a difference in the world. As we look forward to May 27 and our 91st Commencement Ceremony for the 197 seniors in the Class of 2023, a collective passion and excitement for this special day guides our efforts.

Set-Up: The set-up will be similar to how it has been but everything will be to the right of the Gazebo. The stage will be placed along the bluff on the River Campus and chairs will be set up in "family pods" of up to 8 people. Family members and guests will sit at their graduate's pod and the graduates will sit together close to the stage. Guests should arrive and be parked by 8:10 a.m. with the program starting at 8:30 a.m. Signs with the graduate's name will mark each family pod and will run in alphabetical order. We ask that families not move chairs or seat locations. Restroom facilities will be open and are available at McGehee Auditorium, inside Bolles Hall and on the River Patio. Water will be available in a variety of locations.

Rain Plan: In the event of rain, the ceremony will take place in Davis Gym. Seating would then be limited and a ticket would be required for entry due to space constraints. Up to six tickets would be given to each graduate on the day before the ceremony.  If it is necessary for the rain plan to be put into effect, we would communicate this to our community as soon as possible.

RSVP: Each family may RSVP for up to 8 guests. It is important that we hear from you of your plans to attend and the names of each person in your group in order for us to make appropriate preparations for the day. Please take a moment and complete the RSVP form here. McGehee Auditorium will be open for guests who would like to watch the live stream indoors. Every member of the Class of 2023 will be recognized and celebrated.

Arrival for Graduates: All graduates should arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. and should park on campus in front of Bolles Hall. Graduates should go directly to Davis Gym for flowers and boutonnieres. From there, they will walk as a group to the front lawn for their class photo, then they will be led through Bolles Hall to outside for the procession.

Parking for Families and Guests: Families and Guests have assigned parking on the practice field and should enter through the south entrance only. (See parking map HERE)

Photos: A professional photographer will be there to take each graduate's photo as they receive their diploma and will take another one by the firepit with their parents when they walk from the stage. Please note, the photo is for the graduate and his/her parent(s) only. Please remain silent while taking these photos as the ceremony is still ongoing. As is tradition, parents of the graduate being announced are welcome to walk up front to see the diploma being awarded. In addition, Easy Edit Video will be live streaming the event and will have DVDs available for individual purchase the week following the event. The live stream may be viewed on the home page of Bolles.org on the day of the event. Easy Edit will also be live streaming Awards Day on May 19 and will make these DVDs also available for purchase. (Please note: Parents of students receiving an award on Awards Day will receive an invitation.)

Attire: We have a traditional dress for this special event that you may find HERE. Your attire should match these details and honor the formality of the ceremony.

Thank you in advance for your support and for what we know will be a great day of celebration! Please know we care about and appreciate each of you and are proud to honor you at this special occasion you have each worked so hard to reach. Congratulations on this milestone—one of many yet to come!