What to know if you’re attending EMU’s commencement events
Commencement is fast approaching, bringing a full weekend of events and ceremonies honoring 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 108th annual Commencement ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Yoder Arena. View the map below.
How long will it last?
The ceremony lasts about two hours.
Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
A live video feed of the Commencement ceremony will be available on EMU’s YouTube 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. Guests may notify a parking attendant if assistance is needed in getting from the parking area to the commencement seating.
Where should I sit?
Seating is first come, first served and opens at 11 a.m. on Sunday. A remote viewing location will be available in University Commons Room 177.
How many students will be graduating?
EMU will award 313 degrees at Commencement. The total includes 171 undergraduate degrees, 129 graduate degrees, 10 Eastern Mennonite Seminary degrees, and three doctoral degrees, as of April 23.
Who will deliver the commencement address?
Dr. Angela J. Lederach, an anthropologist and assistant professor of peace and justice studies at Chapman University, will deliver the address. Learn more about her below.
Who else is speaking?
Graduating seniors Dylan Hall and Arelys Martinez Fabian, and Yenifer Dottin-Carter from the MA in Counseling program, will offer graduates’ perspectives.
Who are the class officers?
The 2026 undergraduate class officers are:
- Co-presidents: Genesis Figueroa and Arelys Martinez Fabian
- Business manager: Ethan Neufeld
- Secretary: Maria Longenecker
Is the event free? Is there a limit to how many guests can attend?
Commencement is free to attend, with no ticket required and no limit on the number of guests.
What other events can I attend?
Ten graduating seniors will be honored as 2026 Cords of Distinction recipients in a special ceremony on Friday, April 24, at 10:10 a.m. in Martin Chapel. EMU will host its fifth annual Lavender Graduation on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in University Commons Room 177 (Old Common Grounds) to honor LGBTQ+ graduates and alumni. EMU’s 11th annual Donning of the Kente ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 3 p.m. in the MainStage Theater to recognize graduating students of color and international students. On Sunday, May 3, 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 is Graduate Celebration and Sending?
Graduate Celebration and Sending will take place on Saturday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in Lehman Auditorium. Dr. Tara L. S. Kishbaugh, dean of faculty and student success, 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.
Will the dining halls be open?
Here’s the dining hall schedule for commencement weekend:
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.
What are some other places to eat and things to do in Harrisonburg?
Check out this guide to celebrating graduation weekend in Harrisonburg from the city’s tourism office, packed with recommendations for dining, graduation gifts, and things 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 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania. Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo will deliver the address.
Where can I find more information?
Visit emu.edu/commencement or email questions to commencement@emu.edu.
Join the Discussion on “A 2026 visitor’s guide to graduation”