Schedule of Events

COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE 2023

The 2023 Commencement Weekend has been scheduled for May 13-14, 2023. The Commencement service will be held on Sunday, May 14, 2023, in All Saints' Chapel with the Conferring of Degrees in the Quad. 
THURSDAY, MAY 11

8 a.m. Rotary Club meeting at La Bella Pearl’s. Earn your makeup meeting at the local club.

noon–5 p.m. Commencement desk at McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue. Information, senior photos, schedules, and tickets can be picked up here. All families are invited to stop by for refreshments and a moment of rest between activities. Call this your home base for the weekend. Hang out between events or just come relax during the day.

6:30–8 p.m. The Office of Global Citizenship and the Organization for Cross-Cultural Understanding (OCCU) will host an International Senior Send Off reception at McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue to honor the Class of 2023’s international seniors, to celebrate all their accomplishments here at Sewanee and wish them well on their future journeys!

FRIDAY, MAY 12

9 a.m.–5 p.m. Commencement desk at McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue. Information, senior photos, schedules, and tickets can be picked up here. All families are invited to stop by for refreshments and a moment of rest between activities. Call this your home base for the weekend. Hang out between events or just come relax during the day.

11 a.m. Senior Carey Fellows Awards Ceremony. Reception for senior business honors students at the Social Lodge by invitation.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. The Department of Chemistry will host all chemistry and biochemistry majors and minors, and their families, at the Green’s View Grill.

1 p.m. Book reading and signing by Margaret Renkl, honorary degree candidate and baccalaureate speaker in Convocation Hall. Renkl is the author of Late Migrations (2019) and Graceland, At Last (2021), and a New York Times columnist. The University Bookstore will be present and selling copies of her work.

2–3 p.m. Open House in Breslin Tower hosted by the Sewanee Guild of Change Ringers, John Solomon, tower captain. Please go up the Breslin Tower stairs to the bell-ringing room (inside Convocation Hall).

3 p.m. St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School, our neighboring co-ed Episcopal day and boarding school for students in grades 6–12, will offer campus tours and personalized information sessions for University of the South families and friends. Reserve your space by emailing admission@sasweb.org or calling 931.598.5651. Interested in summer camp on the Mountain? Email sassummer@sasweb.org for more information.

3:15–4:15 p.m. Shapard Tower carillon tours and open house. Please meet inside All Saints’ Chapel at the iron gate near the nave altar. Carillonneurs will meet you there for a walking tour of the tower, which includes a view from the parapet 110 feet above the campus and an opportunity to play a few notes on the carillon.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

8 a.m.–2 p.m. Commencement desk at McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue. Information, senior photos, schedules, and tickets can be picked up here. All families are invited to stop by for refreshments and a moment of rest between activities. Call this your home base for the weekend. Hang out between events or just come relax during the day.

9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sewanee Spring Arts and Crafts Fair, Shoup Park, in front of Elliott, Tuckaway, and Cleveland dorms on University Avenue.

9:30 a.m. Degree candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences and graduates from the School of Theology form the Baccalaureate procession in front of Breslin Tower.

10 a.m. Baccalaureate Service, installation of Chancellor Jacob Owensby, and the awarding of the Sewanee Medal, All Saints’ Chapel. The Baccalaureate address will be delivered by Margaret Renkl. The service will be shown on closed-circuit TV on the Quad. 

The Mildred and George Bentley Memorial Change Ringing Bells will play for the procession.

The Baccalaureate lunch (admission by prepaid ticket or tickets may be purchased at the door) will immediately follow the Baccalaureate Service until
1 p.m., McClurg Dining Hall.

11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. The University Art Gallery Senior Art Majors’ thesis exhibition, Afterswarm featuring Rebecca Dorward, Elizabeth Konradi, Maria Mattingly, Sarah Signorino, and Brionna-Joy Wiggins. University Art Gallery.

11:20 a.m. Legacy Photo for students with alumni parents, siblings, and grandparents. Please arrive promptly. Guerry Garth. (Rain location: All Saints’ Chapel, nave altar)

11:30 a.m. Phi Beta Kappa initiation for members, initiates, and their guests in Convocation Hall will follow the Baccalaureate Service.

2 p.m. Posse graduation celebration in Guerry Auditorium. Reception immediately following in the Guerry Lobby.

2–3 p.m. Open House in Breslin Tower hosted by the Sewanee Guild of Change Ringers, John Solomon, tower captain. Please go up the Breslin Tower stairs to the bell-ringing room (inside Convocation Hall).

3–4:30 p.m. The Department of Politics will host graduating senior politics majors and their guests at the Social Lodge. Remarks, including departmental awards will be announced at 4 p.m.

3–5 p.m. Celebrating the Class of 2023 Wine and cheese reception at Chen Hall with Acting Vice-Chancellor Nancy Berner and David Coe. Please join the Acting Vice-Chancellor and her spouse for this reception at 607 University Ave.

3:15–4:15 p.m. Shapard Tower carillon tours and open house. Please meet inside All Saints’ Chapel at the iron gate near the nave altar. Carillonneurs will meet you there for a walking tour of the tower, which includes a view from the parapet 110 feet above the campus and an opportunity to play a few notes on the carillon.

4–6 p.m. Dinner honoring Latinx graduates will be held in Convocation Hall. 

7 p.m. Commencement Party and Fireworks Celebration for seniors of the College and their guests, until 9 p.m., at McGriff Alumni House. Hosted by the Associated Alumni. Live music by Entice. Bring your ID if you look younger than 21.

7:30 p.m. AA Meeting. Parish of St. Mark and St. Paul, across the street from Sewanee Elementary School. Open discussion. All are welcome.

SUNDAY, MAY 14

7–9 a.m. Breakfast for graduating physics majors a the home of Dr. Randolph Peterson, 109 Curlicue Rd.

7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, St. Augustine’s Chapel.

7:30–9 a.m. Breakfast for the families of graduates in the Department of Earth and Environmental Systems at the home of Julie and Tom Powell, 21 Poplar Lane, parking available at Proctor’s Hall parking lot.

7:30–9:30 a.m. The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science will host a breakfast for graduates at the home of Catherine Cavagnaro, 482 Wiggins Creek Dr.

8–10 a.m. Commencement desk at McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue. Information, schedules, and tickets can be picked up here.

9 a.m. Degree candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences check in at All Saints’ Chapel, entering through the War Memorial door (McClurg side).

10 a.m. Convocation for conferring of degrees, All Saints’ Chapel. Seating on the Quadrangle opens at 9 a.m. for guests. The Mildred and George Bentley Memorial Change Ringing Bells will play for the procession.

Convocation will be shown on closed-circuit TV on the Quad and in Guerry Auditorium.

Commencement luncheon honoring the Class of 2023 graduates, their guests, families, and University faculty, immediately following the Convocation, in Burwell Gardens (behind McClurg Dining Hall). Admission by pre-paid tickets.

Rain location for luncheon: McClurg Dining Hall.

COMMENCEMENT DESK

The University Commencement desk is located inside McGriff Alumni House on Georgia Avenue. The desk is open on Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to
2 p.m., and Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m. Information and tickets for the Baccalaureate lunch and for the College of Arts and Sciences Commencement service can be picked up here. All families are invited to stop by for refreshments and a moment of rest between activities. Call this your home base for the weekend. Hang out between events or just come relax during the day. 

TICKETS

Tickets are not needed for Commencement seating on the Quad or the Baccalaureate Service in All Saints’ Chapel. 

Tickets purchased in advance for the Baccalaureate lunch on Saturday, May 13, and the Commencement lunch on Sunday, May 14, may be picked up Thursday through Sunday morning at the University Commencement Desk at McGriff Alumni House. Tickets may also be purchased at the Commencement Desk.

LOST AND FOUND

The Sewanee Police Department will be the Lost and Found Center. If something is found, please bring it to the Police Department. If you lose something, please report it to the staff at the Sewanee Police, 931.598.1111 or email police@sewanee.edu.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

The Robert D. Fowler Center will be open Monday–Thursday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Inquire at the desk for hours for the swimming pool. The Course at Sewanee (golf course) will accept tee times at 931.598.1104.

duPONT LIBRARY 

The library will be open Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to
5 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Old yearbooks and other Sewanee related books will be given away on the front porch of duPont on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

THE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY

Gallery hours are Saturday 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. with senior art majors’ thesis exhibition, Afterswarm featuring Rebecca Dorward, Elizabeth Konradi, Maria Mattingly, Sarah Signorino, and Brionna-Joy Wiggins. University Art Gallery. 

University archives

University Archives hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m.–
noon (by appointment) and 1–5 p.m., and Saturday 1–5 p.m.

The Museum Gallery at the William R. Laurie University Archives and Special Collections will be open Thurs. 9 a.m.–noon, 1-5 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.–noon, 1-5 p.m.; and Sat. 1-5 p.m. The exhibit is Sewanee’s Historic Downtown.

ALL SAINTS’ CHAPEL

All worship services are open to the public. The chapel is always available for private prayer and meditation. Directories for self-guided tours are available in the narthex or in the Chaplain’s Office.

OTHER INFORMATION

For guests in need of special arrangements for access to All Saints’ Chapel, please call the Alumni and Parent Engagement Office, 931.598.1710.

For more information about Commencement, please check the commencement webpage at sewanee.edu/parents/commencement or email sewaneeparents@sewanee.edu.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Commencement Weekend, the University Carillon will be played by Ray Gotko, carillonneur.

LOCAL EATERIES

Blue Chair Bakery and Coffee Shop and Tavern 931.598.5434, 41 University Ave.
Café hours Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–3 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 8 a.m.–noon. Tavern hours Mon.–Fri. 3–9 p.m., Sat.–Sun.
11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Green’s View Grill 931.598.5305. 444 Green’s View Rd. Tues.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Fri.–Sun. 11 a.m.-
6 p.m. Closed Monday.

La Bella Pearl’s 931.463.2222, 15344 Sewanee Hwy. Mon.–Tues., closed, Wed.–Thurs. 5–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Please call for reservations.

Lumieré 36 Ball Park Rd. Thurs.-Sat. 4–10 p.m., Sat. brunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Lunch 24 University Ave. Wed.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. 8:30–10 a.m.

Shakerag at the Sewanee Inn
931.598.3568, 1235 University Ave.
Sun.–Thurs. 4–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 4–10 p.m. 

Shenanigans 931.598.5774, 12595 Sollace M. Freeman Hwy. Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. and Sun.
11 a.m.–10 p.m.

Stirling’s Coffee House 931.598.1885,
241 Georgia Ave. Thurs.–Mon. 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

 

The Cup and Gown in duPont Library will be closed.