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A close-up shows a graduate wearing a black mortarboard with a red-and-blue tassel

Masters Commencement

The Master’s Commencement recognizes graduate students who have 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. The summer ceremony includes graduates from the winter and spring cohorts.

Commencement 2026 Details

The private ceremony was held on July 16, 2026, at Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater at 11:00 a.m. Graduates and event participants report at 10:00 a.m. Seating for invited guests opens at 10:00 a.m. A private reception with light fare follows at the Hotel Gettysburg Ballroom.

Please note, this event is not open to the public.

Commencement Livestream

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Gettysburg College Commencement Traditions

Gettysburg College is proud to welcome our newest graduates into our network of 33,000 alumni around the world. These Gettysburgians are among the first in the College's storied history to earn a Master of Arts in American history from this master's program.

A student receives the stole of gratitude

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

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