Commencement
Congratulations, Graduates
The Class of 2026 commencement ceremony will be held on Oglethorpe University’s academic quad on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 9 a.m. No tickets are necessary for guests to attend.
The ceremony will be livestreamed with English and Spanish subtitles.
You can view past year’s ceremonies in our playlist on YouTube.
Oglethorpe University has announced that Chris Womack, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Southern Company, will deliver the keynote address at the university’s 2026 commencement ceremony.
Womack leads one of the nation’s largest energy providers, serving nine million customers nationwide. For more than 35 years, he has held senior leadership roles across Southern Company and its subsidiaries, including chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power.
Important dates & times
2025-2026 Graduation Application Deadlines:
- Fall 2025 Term – November 1
- Spring 2026 Term – April 1
- Summer 2026 Term – July 1
March 3 – 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Campus ring events, graduation product information, and ordering in TLCC
Order graduation products online here.
March 20: Cap and gown order deadline for campus pickup
April 6: Cap and gown order deadline for home delivery ($14.90 shipping)
April 7–17: Cap and gown online ordering with rush shipping
April 21 – 22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Cap and gown and honor cord distribution in TLCC
April 21 – 22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Latin Honor Cord Distribution in TLCC
View Latin Honors requirements (Latin Honors are based on your Fall cumulative GPA).
Senior Week Activities
Thursday, May 7, 4 – 5:30 p.m.: Commencement Rehearsal
Library Atrium
Thursday, May 7, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.: Carillon Ceremony
Lupton Auditorium
The Carillon Ceremony honors graduating seniors with an opportunity to enter the “secret door” in Lupton Hall and climb to the top of the Lale Ozgörkey Bell Tower. The Carillon Ceremony will begin immediately following the graduation rehearsal.
Friday, May 8, 4:00 p.m.: President’s Reception
TLCC Atrium
Saturday, May 9 – Commencement Ceremony
Graduates should report to the Library Atrium in Lowry Hall by 8 a.m.
Guests are encouraged to be seated by 8:45 a.m. No tickets required. Seating is first-come, first-served. The ceremony will be held on the quad, rain or shine.
The ceremony also will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Diplomas will be mailed 3-4 weeks after the graduation ceremony to the address designated on the graduation application.
Questions?
Please continue to check your Oglethorpe email and this website for information as it becomes available. For additional questions, contact [email protected].
Media contact: Chris Sweigart, Associate Vice President of Marketing.
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