What to know if you’re attending EMU’s commencement events
Commencement is fast approaching, bringing along a series of events and ceremonies to honor the dedication of this year’s graduating class. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help guide you through the weekend.
When is Commencement and where will it be held?
Eastern Mennonite University’s 107th annual Commencement ceremony will begin on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 1 p.m. It will be held on the Campus Front Lawn. See map below.
How long will it last?
Commencement is about two hours long.
What if the weather is bad?
Commencement will be held under a tent on the Front Lawn, rain or shine.
Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes, a live video feed will be available on the EMU Facebook page.
Where should I park?
Please see the campus map for parking information. The south portion of the University Commons parking lot will be reserved for handicapped and mobility-restricted parking.
Where should I sit?
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The seating area opens on Sunday at 11 a.m. A remote viewing location for Commencement will be at Suter Science Center 106.
How many students will be graduating?
EMU will award 320 degrees at Commencement. The total includes 188 undergraduate degrees, 127 graduate degrees, and five Eastern Mennonite Seminary degrees.
Who will deliver the commencement address?
The Rev. Dr. Lesley Francisco McClendon, senior pastor of C3 Hampton (Virginia) and adjunct instructor of preaching at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, will deliver the address. Read more about her below.
Who else is speaking?
Jason Dwyer, Adesola Johnson, and Getachew Temare will offer graduate perspectives at Commencement.
Who are the class officers?
The 2025 undergraduate class officers are:
- Co-presidents: Mana Acosta and Meredith Lehman
- Business manager: Aja Laun
- Secretary: Iris Anderson
Is the event free? Is there a limit to how many guests can attend?
Commencement is free to attend. There is no limit to the number of guests you can invite, and no tickets are needed.
What other events can I attend?
Ten graduating seniors will be honored as 2025 Cords of Distinction recipients in a special ceremony on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:15 a.m. in Martin Chapel. EMU will host its fourth annual Lavender Graduation on Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m. in University Commons Room 177 (Old Common Grounds) to honor LGBTQ+ graduates and alumni. EMU’s 10th annual Donning of the Kente ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 3 p.m. in the MainStage Theater to recognize graduating students of color and international students. On Sunday, May 4, after Commencement, the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding will host a graduation celebration at 4 p.m. in Martin Chapel. All events are listed online here.
When are the baccalaureate events?
Baccalaureate: Graduate Celebrating & Sending will take place on Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium. Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman is the featured speaker for this year’s event, which is for all graduating students. The event will include performances of music and poetry from students, as well as the presentation of the class gift. A president’s reception for graduates and families will be held following Baccalaureate at 8:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Greeting Hall.
Will the dining halls be open?
The commencement weekend schedule for the dining hall is:
Saturday
- Continental breakfast: 8:15-9 a.m.
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Dinner: 5-6 p.m.
Sunday
- Continental breakfast: 8:15-9 a.m.
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where else can I eat, and what else can I do in Harrisonburg?
Read through this guide for celebrating graduation weekend in Harrisonburg, written by the city’s tourism office, chock-full of recommendations for dining, graduation gifts and what to do while you’re in town!
When will the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, campus hold its graduation?
EMU at Lancaster will hold its Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the website at emu.edu/commencement or email questions to commencement@emu.edu.
Join the Discussion on “A 2025 visitor’s guide to graduation”