Honoring Achievement

The gleam of candles lights the path to two important traditional events in an Elmira College student's experience. At Freshman Orientation, students ring The Puddle for one of their first college events. Four years later, they again take part in one of their last college experiences before Commencement, at an event attended by Trustees, faculty, administrators, friends and family.

Commencement, held on the Portico of Cowles Hall, is the last tradition for our graduating class before leaving Elmira College. This tradition honors each individual student in the graduating class with the presentation of their degrees. We have had many great Commencement speakers in the past few years, including Elaine L. Chao, the nation’s 24th Secretary of Labor, Col. Eileen Collins, first woman space shuttle commander and Brian Williams, NBC news anchor. These Commencement addresses congratulate our students on their superior achievement and provide motivation for the next step in their lives. The Commencement ceremony offers the parents, faculty and administration all a chance to honor the student's hard work and accomplishments.