Commencement

Saturday, May 10, 2025
Wasylik Field
Lake Forest College

Graduates must check in at 9 a.m. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at approximately 12:30 p.m.  Graduates should leave their personal items with guests.

Each graduate will be given six (6) guest tickets. Paper tickets will be distributed at Cap and Gown Pick-Up on April 15. Registration of guests will NOT be necessary this year. All they need are their tickets.  If additional tickets become available, a notice will be emailed to graduates. Tickets are mandatory. Unfortunately, lost or stolen tickets cannot be replaced.

As always, the ceremony will be available via livestream for friends and family who are unable to attend. 

Accessible Parking
Designated accessible parking for vehicles bearing valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disability parking placards or license plates is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Accessible Seating
Dedicated wheelchair and scooter accessible locations will be available where guests can remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to seats. 

Wheelchairs
Lake Forest College does not provide wheelchairs or golf carts for transportation.   

Detailed parking maps will be provided as we get closer to the event. 

Commencement will be held in a tent on Wasylik Field on South Campus. While the venue will be covered, May weather in northern Illinois can be unpredictable. Please watch the local weather forecasts and dress accordingly. If severe weather impacts our event, notifications will be posted on our website.

All graduates receive a black cap and gown (that they get to keep) at Cap and Gown Pick-Up on April 15 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Mohr Student Center (lower level). The ensemble includes a traditional tassel that should be worn on their cap at Commencement. Special cords, stoles, serapes and pins for College-recognized national academic honor societies or registered student organizations are permitted to be worn during the Commencement ceremony. These items are not distributed at Cap and Gown Pick-Up. Please check with the organization. These are the only items that can be worn with your cap and gown during the ceremony.

The cost of the cap and gown is included in senior dues and size information was provided on the Intent to Graduate form.

Diplomas will be shipped directly from our vendor, Jostens, to the address supplied in the Senior Exit Survey within a month of the Commencement ceremony.

Make sure you have a place to stay! Click here for a list of hotels close to campus (some with special rates for Lake Forest College guests).