186th COMMENCEMENT

Join us for the Union Theological Seminary Commencement on Friday, May 17, as we celebrate the graduating class of 2024. Families, friends, Union alumni, and the wider community are invited to honor their hard work and dedication as our graduates take the next steps toward positively impacting the world. The ceremony will be a moment of gratitude, reflection, and celebration. Please note that some details are still to be determined, so we invite you to visit this webpage regularly for updates.

We invite our guests and graduates to participate in a manner that resonates with your spirit and brings you joy. While standing at certain moments during the ceremony may be customary, it is entirely optional so please feel free to engage in a way that feels most meaningful and comfortable to you.

If you need any assistance with accessibility services, please reach out at [email protected] to request assistance.

For those looking to take part in the live stream of Union’s 186th Commencement Ceremony, you can click here to view the live stream.

DAY OF SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Chapel Service  |  James Memorial Chapel  |  9:00 am
Masks required; One guest per graduate;
Room 207 open for livestream viewing

Grab & Go Drink and Snack  |  Quad  |  9:45 am

Class Photo  |  Burke Library Steps on Broadway and 120th  |  10:05 am

Line-Up  |  Outside Burke Library on Broadway and 120th |  10:30 am

Procession  |  Outside Burke Library on Broadway  |  10:45 am

Ceremony  |  Manhattan School of Music  |  11:00 am
Masks required; Room 207 at Union open for livestream viewing

Ice-Cream Reception  |  Quad  |  12:30 pm

Robe Return  |  The Pit  |  1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Chapel Service Masks Required
James Memorial Chapel  |  9:00 am ET
3041 Broadway, New York NY 10027

Ceremony Masks Required 
Neidorff-Karpati Hall at Manhattan School of Music  |  11:00 am ET
130 Claremont Avenue, New York, NY 10027
doors open for guests at 10:00 am

Reception
The Quad  |  12:30 pm ET
3041 Broadway, New York NY 10027
(Rain Location: James Memorial Chapel;
masks required)

Announcement  |  Commissioning Ceremonies  |  Local Accommodations

Announcements

        Robes 

Robe distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 9 from 9 AM – 5 PM in Room AD 116. If for any reason you are not able to pick up your robe on either of these two dates, there will be one final opportunity on Commencement Day, May 17, from 9 AM – 10 AM.

Robe “Drop-Off” will be in the Pit on Thursday, May 17, from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. If for any reason you do not return your robe by 3:30 PM, you will be responsible for shipping your gown back to Herff-Jones

        Commencement Tickets 

Due to space limitations at the venue, each graduate is able to bring up to five (5) guests to the ceremony. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we must adhere to this limit for the safety and comfort of all attendees. If you would like to have more than 5 guests, please contact Dean Sandra Montes at [email protected], and we will do our best to accommodate your request. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation and look forward to sharing this memorable day with you and your guests. You will be able to pick up your tickets when you pick up your robes.

For current students, there will be seating available in the balcony section. Tickets for current students will not be required, however, your Union ID will serve as your ticket.

May 2024 graduates: If you haven’t submitted your Graduation Application, please do so before Monday, March 18 at 5:00 PM. You can access the Graduation Application here.

Commissioning Ceremonies

Latinx Caucus Commissioning
Saturday, May 11 at 6:00 pm in Fred Davie Terrace; contact Leslie

 AAPI Caucus Commissioning
 Tuesday, May 14 at 5:00 – 8:00 pm in James Chapel; contact Eliette or Kathy

          EAS Graduation Commissioning
          Wednesday, May 15 at 1:00 – 3:00 pm in Stewart Room; contact Chanmi

          International Student Caucus Commissioning
          Wednesday, May 15 at 3:00 – 7:00 pm on the Fred Davie Terrace; contact Radiance

Black Caucus Commissioning
Wednesday, May 15 at 6:00 – 9:00 pm in James Chapel; contact Steff or Aurora

BIE Community Celebration
Thursday, May 16 at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Room 207 and Fred Davie Terrace; contact Peace Twesigye

Disability Justice Caucus
Thursday, May 16 at 4:00 – 6:00 pm in Room 205; contact Schuyler Rowe

Queer Recognition & Celebration Ceremony
Thursday, May 16 at 6:00 – 8:00 pm in James Chapel and Quad; contact Brendan Nee

For students and groups planning Commissioning Ceremonies, please email both [email protected] and [email protected] to confirm the date, time, and location for your event.

Local Accommodations

Restaurants

Massawa – Amsterdam & 121st Street:
https://www.massawanyc.com/

Bar 314 – Amsterdam & 122nd Street:
https://www.bar314menu.com/

La Salle Dumpling Room – Broadway between La Salle and Tiemann Place

Pisticci – Broadway & La Salle:
http://www.pisticcinyc.com/

Toast Uptown – Broadway between La Salle and Tiemann Place:
http://www.toastnyc.com/

Lodging

The Wallace – W 76th Street between Broadway and West End Ave
https://www.thewallace.com/

Edge Washington Heights – W 168th Street between Audubon and Amsterdam
https://www.edgehotelnyc.com/

HI NYC Hostel – Amsterdam between 103rd and 104th
https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/new-york/new-york-891-amsterdam-ave

Columbia University has negotiated rates with numerous preferred hotels in New York City. To learn more about gaining access to access this negotiated rate, visit the Columbia Visitor’s Center Website.