Commencement

Commencement for the Class of 2020 is postponed until May 15–16, and Commencement for the Class of 2021 will be held on May 22–23.

Note: Commencement information is subject to change due to COVID-19. Please monitor Better Together for the latest details.

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Graduates at Commencement facing Beachem Portico

Class of 2020

Commencement information for the Class of 2020.

View details for the Class of 2020

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Graduates standing and looking up towards Beachem Portico at a Commencement ceremony

Class of 2021

Commencement information for the Class of 2021.

View details for the Class of 2021

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Traditions and Past Speakers

Past Speakers

Jerry Spinelli speaking at Commencement

Honorary degrees are typically awarded at Commencement to persons whose contributions are outstanding in specific fields such as The Arts, Public Life and Government, The Humanities and Social Sciences, and The Natural and Applied Sciences.

Honorary Degrees

Lavar Burton receiving honorary degree

Honorary degrees are typically awarded at Commencement to exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to specific fields such as The Arts, Public Life and Government, The Humanities and Social Sciences, and The Natural and Applied Sciences.

The Lavern H. Brenneman Award

Dave LaVanne receiving the Lavern Brenneman Award

The Lavern H. Brenneman ’36 Award For Exemplary Service to Gettysburg College is presented in recognition of those rare individuals whose distinguished service to Gettysburg College stands head and shoulders above others who have served the institution faithfully.