TrinTalk

So we pretty much dropped the ball on reporting most of the Senior Week events (sorry, it’s the first year I’ve remotely paid attention to them…).

Aside from that though, Sunday is the day. With that brings a lot of last minute questions, probably the biggest one for parents (and graduates) alike is WHERE WILL COMMENCEMENT BE IN THE EVENT OF RAIN? Or more importantly, HOW WILL WE KNOW IF THERE IS A LOCATION CHANGE?

For these questions, expect either an update to the Commencement website, or an e-mail to the student body. I’d also advise calling the central switchboard for any pressing questions at 860-297-2000.

Unfortunately it’s raining pretty hard right now (12:30 AM on Sunday), so I’d expect the ceremony to be moved inside – sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

As far as the schedule for Sunday:

Sunday, May 17, 2009

8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Episcopal Eucharist
The Chapel (campus map)

10:00 a.m.
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Candidates Formation
Lower Long Walk, near Cinestudio (campus map)
Wearing academic regalia (caps and gowns), bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates assemble on the Lower Long Walk near Cinestudio for the processional to the Quadrangle.

Undergraduate Procession Instructions

Masters Procession Instructions

10:50 a.m.
Academic Procession Begins
The tradition of stepping on The Luther-Roosevelt Long Walk Inscription in front of the Fuller Arch in Northam Towers for the first time on Commencement day continues.  Members of the Trinity community, as well as visitors, have generally avoided stepping on the inscription, perhaps instinctively aware that it is connected with some event in the College’s history.  The inscription in fact commemorates the visit in June 1918 of former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt, who delivered an address and received an honorary degree at Commencement.

11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
183rd Commencement Ceremony
The Quadrangle (campus map)
Commencement is the central and most important event of the Trinity academic year.  The College faculty gathers together with the families and friends of the graduating class to celebrate their achievements in a ceremony that has endured for nearly two centuries.

1:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Post-Commencement Celebration
The Soccer Field (campus map)

College Reception
Under the Tent, Soccer Field
President James F. Jones, Jr., Board of Trustees members, and current faculty look forward to meeting your family and congratulating you in person. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Individual Receptions
Under the Tents, Soccer Field
For more information about coordinating an individual reception, please click here.

Good luck to the Class of 2009 and best wishes! I’ll be seeing many of you tomorrow rain or shine!