Skip to main content

Commencement Traditions

  • Academic Attire

    Roanoke College wears the traditional academic black robe during the commencement ceremony. The graduation cap is a flat cap with a tassel draped over its front edge.

    graduates posing for a photo

  • Baccalaureate

    Baccalaureate takes place on the Friday afternoon before the Commencement ceremony on Saturday morning. This celebratory event is an important part of Commencement exercises and is an occasion for thanksgiving as our students complete their educational program. All graduates and guests are encouraged to attend. 

    chaplain giving a speech

  • College Mace

    The College Mace dates back to the Middle Ages when it was used as a weapon. Today, it is primarily used as a symbol of academic authority at formal convocations and commencement ceremonies.  

    the college mace

  • Processional Banners and Flags

    Banners and flags are used during Commencement ceremonies and Baccalaureate. Banners are hung during Baccalaureate to represent Roanoke College and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. During Commencement flags are flown as representations of international students and honor clubs.

    graduates walking to commencement

  • Senior Week

    The week before graduation, Roanoke College and Alumni put on different events throughout the week leading up to Commencement to honor the graduating seniors.

    student hugging president maxey

  • Rooney's Feet

    Since Rooney's unveiling in the spring of 2009 as Roanoke's mascot, it has become tradition for the mascot personality to show up for the Commencement ceremony with the enormous Rooney feet sticking out from beneath the black commencement robe, revealing their identity.

    rooney in a graduation cap and gown