The Inaugural Master’s Commencement recognized graduate students who completed their degree requirements for the Master of Arts in American History offered through a partnership between Gettysburg College and The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. This inaugural event included graduates from the winter and spring cohorts.
- Graduates celebrated, empowered to ‘hold the line’ for education at Inaugural Master’s Commencement.
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Catch-up on Commencement with highlights, photos from the ceremony, and more.
View photos from the 2023 Master's Commencement ceremony
Commencement Details
The private ceremony was held on July 15, 2023, at Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater at 11:00 a.m.
Graduates and event participants reported at 10:00 a.m. Seating for invited guests opened at 10:00 a.m. A private reception followed.
Please note, this event was not open to the public.
Download the Master’s Commencement Program (PDF)
Commencement Speaker
David Blight, Sterling Professor of History of African American Studies, and of American Studies and Director of the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition at Yale University
Gettysburg College Commencement Traditions
Gettysburg College is proud to welcome our newest graduates into our network of 32,000 alumni around the world. The Class of 2023 represents the first in the College's storied history to earn a Master of Arts in American history from this master's program.
Stole of Gratitude
The “stole of gratitude,” a tradition which began in 2004, is in part a gift from the Gettysburg College Alumni Association. The graduates will be given a stole during the Commencement Exercises as a symbol of their appreciation for all of the individuals whose support was instrumental in bringing them to this day. At the reception following Commencement, graduates may present the stole to someone to demonstrate their gratitude for that individual’s role in their success.
News about the Gettysburg College Master of Arts in American History
