Graduation Weekend
Ave Maria University

This is the time when graduates can ask questions about the Commencement ceremony and related activities and when you will be given important instructions to make the weekend as enjoyable as possible for you and your guests. If for some reason you cannot attend, you must contact the Office of the Dean of Faculty at (239) 280-2550.

Academic regalia is required for this event. Tickets are not required for this Mass, but please keep in mind that seating is limited in the church—family and friends in attendance should plan to arrive early to secure a seat. Graduates are to gather in the William C. Demetree Lecture Hall in the Paul M. Henkels Academic Building at 4:15 p.m. for robing and to form the procession line. No particular order will be observed for the procession and seating. Ushers and staff will be on hand to assist with any last-minute cap and gown issues. It is recommended that you do not bring valuables with you.

This optional event is an AMU tradition, and is open to all graduating seniors, their families, and AMU faculty and staff. Tickets are limited and are required for ALL attendees (including AMU students, faculty, and staff) and must be purchased no later than April 27, 2026. No tickets will be sold after this date.

Graduating Students - Free | Adults - $40.00 | Children 6-15 - $16.00 | Children 5 and under - Free

Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is served buffet style. Soft drinks and dessert are included; cash bar for beer and wine. Program to honor President's Award finalists and Class of 2026 faculty speaker will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. To purchase your tickets, please visit: www.avemaria.edu/presidents-dinner

Tickets are required, and each graduate will receive FOUR tickets. For those requiring additional tickets, please email Christy Dorer to reserve a spot on the waitlist. Relatives and friends may also stream the ceremony online (www.avemaria.edu).

Graduates, faculty, and stage party are to arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. Academic regalia is required. Graduates will line up alphabetically, with undergraduates first, followed by M.A.s, MBAs, M.Ed.s, and Ph.D.s. Ushers and staff will be on hand to assist with any last-minute cap and gown issues. It is recommended that you do not bring valuables with you. Please pay attention to the student marshals leading the procession and assisting at the steps to the stage when your name is called.

Please note: For Commencement, water ONLY is permitted inside the Tom Golisano Field House. Food and all other beverages are not allowed. Horns, bells, whistles, and other noisemakers are prohibited.