Commencement
Commencement 2026
Countdown to Commencement
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Commencement at Holy Family University is a time filled with joy, anticipation, laughter and lots of hope.
- Joy - in the successful completion of years of hard work, long nights, even longer papers and lots and lots of studying
- Anticipation - of the next chapter; the new beginning that you’ve been preparing for over these years at HFU
- Laughter - filled with happiness; family and friends; classmates and professors and staff and relief
- Lots of Hope - in a future well prepared for as a professional and an alumnus of Holy Family University
The Administration Faculty and Staff have been honored to accompany all our graduates on their journeys to Commencement. We celebrate your accomplishment alongside you and your families and friends. We look forward to welcoming you back anytime as members of the Class of 2026!
See you on our Newtown East campus on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Commencement Event Schedule
More events and details coming soon! Stay tuned for updates.
Baccalaureate Mass
Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
The Chapel at Nazareth Academy High School
4001 Grant Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
All graduates and their guests are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Mass, a Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate God's many blessings on our graduates. The Mass is a long-standing tradition that anchors our commencement festivities. Whether you regularly attend Mass or are simply looking for a quiet moment of gratitude with your loved ones, this celebration is for everyone. Come to honor the hard work, the friendships made, and the faith that has guided you along the way.
Graduates should convene in the ETC Auditorium between 5:30pm - 6:00 p.m. Please plan to be dressed in your academic regalia (cap and gown). Graduates will process together to the Mass.
Parking is available in the University Main Campus, Campus Center parking lots. Guests will be directed to Nazareth Academy High School via sidewalk. Public Safety staff will be available to assist with accommodated transport via golf cart and/or shuttle bus.
Graduate Ceremony
Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. | Newtown East Campus
This ceremony is typically 1 1/2 hours in length.
Undergraduate Ceremony
Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. | Newtown East Campus
This ceremony is typically 2 hours in length.
Graduate Information
Cap and Gown
Commencement is an academic ceremony, and as such, academic regalia is required to participate in the ceremony.
Academic Attire Pick-Up
Pick up your cap and gown in the Campus Center during the following times:
- Monday, April 27: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 28: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday, April 29: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Pick-Up After April 29
If you miss the initial dates, attire will be available at the Bookstore during regular business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Special Extended Hours
The Bookstore will offer extended hours on Thursday, May 14, until 6:00 p.m. to accommodate pick-ups prior to the Baccalaureate Mass.
Tassel
Tassel, our graduation hub, is your all-in-one platform for managing the entire graduation lifecycle from guest ticketing, name announcement and student line-up. Please check your email for instructions on registering for your Commencement ceremony.
Please contact the IT Help Desk for assistance accessing your Holy Family email or resetting your password.
Questions concerning the ceremony can be directed to commencement@holyfamily.edu.
Commencement 2026 in the News
Holy Family University to Honor Theologian Ilia Delio and Health-Equity Leader Lorina Marshall-Blake
