Penn kicks off its 261st Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 15, at 10:15 a.m. at the historic Franklin Field. The ceremony, preceded by student and academic processions through campus, will feature the conferral of degrees, the awarding of honorary degrees, greetings by University officials, and remarks by Commencement speaker Cory Booker, United States senator for New Jersey.
For this edition of By The Numbers, we look at this year’s celebration.
- 7
Number of days it takes to fully set up for Commencement.
- 2,700
Number of students expected to receive undergraduate degrees.
- 5,000
Number of students expected to receive graduate degrees.
- 23
Number of recycled water and soda bottles that make up the fabric in each undergraduate gown.
- 225
Number of Commencement volunteer marshals, consisting of Penn alumni, faculty, and staff.
- 150
Number of flags that will be in the procession.
- 13,000+
Number of Commencement programs ordered for the ceremony.
- 7
Number of honorary degree recipients this year, including graduation speaker Cory Booker, United States senator for New Jersey.
