Watch the Commencement 2024 livestream on YouTube!
When to arrive, where to park, and so much more. You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Get ready to graduate!
When should I arrive? Where will commencement be held?
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the commencement ceremony, which begins promptly at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Hogan Center, Art Smith Arena.
General seating: Doors open at 1 p.m.; families may choose to arrive earlier and wait outside in line until doors open. Seating is first-come, first-served. The general seating entrance is at the east-facing end of the Hogan Center.
Accessible seating: Doors open at 12:15 p.m.; those who requested accessible seating tickets have been previously contacted by the college. One additional ticket holder may assist those who request accessible seating. The accessible seating entrance will be clearly marked at the north-facing end of the front of the Hogan Center.
How can I access my tickets?
Each graduate was provided six commencement tickets. Upon your ticket order, graduates received an email with a PDF containing all of their tickets.
Every guest must have their own ticket to enter. Please be sure to have the complete code ready for scanning, print or electronic copy, if even a small portion is not showing, the ticket is not valid.
If you can not find your tickets, please check spam and junk folders and ensure fansupport@hometownticketing.com is not a blocked address.
Please note: there are no additional tickets available for request or purchase from the college.
Will there be food?
Dining Services offers a Senior Brunch for students and their guests on the morning of commencement. Students can use their meal plans to eat at the event. Additional guests can pay $10 at the entrance to attend. The brunch is from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hamilton Commons; you do not need to register in advance.
Hamilton Commons, Hogan Center, Heritage Center … where are these places located?
This campus map, with a key for buildings, can answer your questions.
Where can I park?
Accessible parking is available in the monitored lot behind the Heritage/Hogan buildings. This lot opens up at 11 a.m.
General parking is available in the monitored lot of Heritage/Hogan building, as well as in the lots to the north and east, near the railroad tracks. This map shows parking lots and accessible routes. Parking is free at Alma College and on city streets.
Is the ceremony being livestreamed?
Yes! You can watch it from the comfort of your own home on the Alma College YouTube channel. The stream will also be broadcast on campus, at the Oscar E. Remick Heritage Center for the Performing Arts, Presbyterian Hall. Doors open at 1 p.m., Saturday.
Can I purchase photos? Can I purchase flowers?
Graduating seniors may register for professional commencement photos here.
There are flower shops in the city of Alma that will be open prior to the commencement ceremony beginning. The college does not sell flowers.
How long does the ceremony last?
Commencement typically runs about two hours. Following the ceremony, staff will lead graduates out as they pass through the faculty gauntlet.
Who is the commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient?
We’re proud to announce that our keynote speaker and honorary degree recipient is humanitarian, physician, volunteer and Class of 1981 graduate Dr. Julie McKay. You can read all about Dr. McKay here.
Who is the student speaker?
The student speaker is Taylor Neeb, who was awarded Alma’s most prestigious award for a graduating senior, the Barlow Trophy, at a ceremony earlier this month. You can read all about Taylor and her many accomplishments here.