Duke

Major Events - 2012

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All graduating students and their families and guests are invited to attend the Major Events of Commencement Weekend.  Details are provided below. We hope you will also read about the various Other Events and Special Ceremonies, hosted by departments and affinity groups.  You will also find a listing of  Diploma Ceremonies for schools and departments that follow Commencement.

 



Friday, May 11, 2012

4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

11:30 a.m.

3:00 p.m.

One of the highlights of Commencement Weekend is the Baccalaureate Service held in the majestic Duke Chapel. Three separate services held on Friday and Saturday accommodate all degree candidates, each with a sermon by Samuel Wells, Dean of the Chapel, and the President’s Charge by Richard H. Brodhead. Students wear academic apparel (no hoods), and the procession of degree candidates begins 10 minutes before the hour. Attendance for each service is determined by student surname (A-G, H-O, P-Z).  Tickets are required for guest attendance only.  Seating for guests in Duke Chapel is  limited.  The main seating for guests is in Page  Auditorium, where the Services will be simulcast.  Each degree candidate is entitled to up to four guest tickets.  Tickets are color-coded and if needed, degree candidates may exchange tickets for a specific service.

Family members and friends who are unable to attend the Baccalaureate Service may view the event live over the internet via the University Webcast.


4:00-5:30 p.m.

  • President’s Reception on West Campus Quadrangle

President and Mrs. Richard Brodhead invite all graduating students and their families, faculty and administrators to celebrate the 2012 graduating class.  Light food and beverage will be served in tents located on the West Campus Quads.  Background music will be provided by the Duke Wind Symphony.  Don't miss this lovely event! 

8:30 p.m.

  •  Demonstration Organ Recital.
     Duke Chapel.  On Saturday, May 12, at 8:30 p.m., University Organist Robert Parkins and Associate University Organist David Arcus will present a demonstration recital featuring the three principal organs in Duke Chapel.  The post-Romantic Aeolian (1932), Duke Chapel’s original instrument, is located in the chancel area.  Recently designated the Kathleen Byrns McClendon organ, it was completely restored by Foley-Baker in 2009.  The Benjamin N. Duke organ, completed by Flentrop (1976) according to 18th-century classical principles, is positioned at the opposite end of the nave.  In the Memorial Chapel is the newest organ, designed to play pre-18th-century music and completed by John Brombaugh in 1997.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

9:30 a.m.
  • Procession of Candidates

Candidates for degrees in May 2012, as well as graduates who completed degree requirements in September and December of 2011, are encouraged to attend Commencement and to march in the student procession.  Students should arrive at the Football Practice Field no later than 8:45 a.m.  Academic apparel is required.  Students should wear flat shoes - SPIKED HEELS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE TRACK.

10:00 a.m.

Candidates for degrees, families and guests, faculty and administration are invited to attend Duke University's 160th Commencement Ceremony. President Richard H. Brodhead will preside over the ceremony, which features the conferring of degrees, the awarding of honorary degrees and the Commencement speech by Fareed Zakaria, journalist, author and Foreign Policy Advisor.  The ceremony will take place rain or shine in Wallace Wade Stadium. Tickets are not required for admission. The gates to Wallace Wade will open at 8:00 a.m. Traffic will be heavy and guests should allow plenty of time for parking. The procession for the ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the service will conclude by 11:30 a.m.  Distribution of diplomas will take place at individual departmental or school ceremonies following Commencement.

Family members and friends who are unable to attend the Commencement ceremony may view the event live over the internet via Commencement Webcast.