Class of 2022 Prepares to Graduate with Traditional Pomp and Circumstance

Chapman University will celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2022 with a week of Commencement festivities that will include fireworks, guest speakers, honorary degree recipients and a toast from the president of the university, Daniele Struppa. 

“Our students have worked very hard, through some very challenging circumstances, to achieve this important milestone,” said Struppa, Ph.D. “Now that they have reached the end of their academic careers at Chapman, we want to celebrate their achievement and send them off in a way that shows how proud we are of them and how much we believe in what they will accomplish in the future.” 

Complete details about the weekend events can be found on the Commencement hub, but here are a few highlights graduates, their families and friends can plan for. 

Interfaith Baccalaureate Service

Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m.
Wallace All Faiths Chapel

Baccalaureate is a traditional spiritual service open to those of all faiths. This year’s special guest is Jack Horner, an accomplished paleontologist and the technical advisor for the Jurassic Park films. Graduating students are all invited, along with their families and Chapman students, faculty and staff.  Graduates RSVP to interfaith@chapman.edu. Families are first come first serve seating.

University Commencement Ceremony and President’s Toast

Friday, May 20, 7 p.m.
Wilson Field

The University Commencement Ceremony, previously known as Closing Convocation, is the signature event of Commencement weekend and is open to all graduates and their guests. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Nobel Peace Laureate Nadia Murad, who will begin a three-year appointment as a Presidential Fellow at Chapman in June. Tickets are free, but limited seating is available and registration is required in advance. 

After the ceremony, graduates and guests are Invited to join President Struppa at the Aitken Arts Plaza, outside the Musco Center, as he raises a glass in the graduates’ honor. 

School and College Degree Ceremonies

Friday, May 20-22, various times
Wilson Field

In honor of all they’ve worked for, graduates will cross the stage in caps and gowns as they collect their diplomas. Degree ceremonies are free to attend and tickets are not required. See the complete schedule of school and college ceremonies. 

Cultural Graduation Celebrations

Scheduled throughout May, cultural graduation celebrations are an additional opportunity for members of Chapman’s cultural groups to celebrate together. Attendees will receive a distinctive stole to wear during Commencement ceremonies. 

• Promising Futures First-Generation Graduation Ceremony 
  May 7, 3 p.m., Argyros Forum 209

• APIDA Graduation Celebration
  May 10, 6 p.m., Wallace All Faiths Chapel

• Disability Graduation Celebration
  May 12, 6 p.m., Wallace All Faiths Chapel

• Black Graduation Celebration
  May 14,10 a.m., Wallace All Faiths Chapel

• Latinx Graduation Celebration
  May 14, 1 p.m, Wallace All Faiths Chapel

• Middle Eastern Graduation Celebration
  May 15, 10 a.m., Wallace All Faiths Chapel

• Lavender Graduation Celebration
  May 15, 1:00 p.m, Wallace All Faiths Chapel

Please visit CU Safely Back before attending any university events to review current health and safety guidelines.