Graduate Hooding
Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm
The Graduate Hooding Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in the Barbara Walters Campus Center Multipurpose Rooms. The ceremony begins at 6:30 pm. A celebratory reception will follow the ceremony.
Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 9, 2025 at 10 am
The 97th Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, under a tent (rain or shine) on Westlands South Lawn. The ceremony begins at 10 am. A celebratory reception on the North Lawn will follow the ceremony, and all guests are invited.
Please note: All guests must be prepared to adhere to visitor guidelines in place at the time of Commencement.
Commencement Ceremony Speaker
Visionary fashion icon and proud Sarah Lawrence alumnus Sam Edelman '73 will deliver the keynote address at Sarah Lawrence College’s 97th Commencement.
For 45 years, Sam Edelman has shaped the landscape of contemporary footwear and fashion, from launching the footwear divisions of iconic brands like Esprit and Ralph Lauren and co-founding Kenneth Cole to now leading a global fashion empire that includes Sam Edelman, Sam & Libby, and Circus NY.
As entrenched as Edelman is in the world of fashion, he is equally rooted in Sarah Lawrence. He is part of a multigenerational family of SLC graduates that includes his parents, his sister, and his cousin, who is married to a two-time alum!
Edelman is deeply committed to the future and the next generation. He and his wife, Libby, have dedicated themselves to youth mentoring, and his commitment to education is further demonstrated through his sophisticated internship program and college Master Class series, in which he imparts invaluable insights to aspiring fashion students and emerging professionals. Reflecting on his own time at SLC, Edelman credits his background in the liberal arts with shaping his approach to business, which blends creativity with strategic insight.
Commencement Ticketing and Seating
Seating at the Commencement Ceremony is very limited, and it is an event that requires tickets for guests. Each graduate will receive a total of four tickets (two for admission under the Westlands Lawn Tent and two for admission to the watch party location in the Barbara Walters Campus Center. Reisinger Concert Hall opens as a secondary viewing location once graduates process out to the tent). Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for ticket holders and begins at 8:30 am on May 9. Students will be notified when tickets are available for pick up on campus. Please hold on to your tickets, as they cannot be replaced if lost.
Seating Accommodations
Sarah Lawrence College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive event for students and their loved ones. Access considerations are an important part of the planning process. If you anticipate needing accommodations for a ticketed guest, please email SLC Events by April 25, 2025. In your request, please include the graduate's name, guest’s name, and what type of seating or service your guest is requesting.
Parking on Campus
For Commencement, parking lots will open at 7:45 am on Friday, May 9. Guests may park in any Sarah Lawrence parking lot as directed by Campus Safety. Please note that parking on any side street or Kimball Avenue may result in a ticket from the City of Yonkers. SLC Campus Safety officers will be directing traffic on campus and will let guests know when lots are full. Once all lots are full, there will be a designated overflow parking area at the Cross County Mall with shuttle service to and from campus.
SLC Campus Safety and LEROS Transportation Services will provide shuttle services to all campus parking lots, the Bronxville Metro-North Station, and Cross County Mall/the Hyatt between 7:45 - 10:30 am and will resume from 12:30 - 3 pm.
Please call Campus Safety at 914-395-2209 with any questions about parking on Commencement Day.
Photographs
This is a big day for students and their families! The College has arranged for a professional photographer to take pictures of every student as they cross the stage and after they have exited the stage during the ceremony. These pictures will be available for purchase a few weeks after Commencement; an order form for the photographs will be emailed as well as mailed to the student’s home address. We hope that this will enable families to sit comfortably in their seats with the reassurance that they will have a professionally produced photographic recording of this very special moment.
To make sure all guests have a positive experience during the ceremony please do not stand up in rows, as this will block the view of those seated behind. Standing in or blocking aisles is not permitted.
All graduating students will have a portrait option on campus prior to Commencement.
Portrait dates will be:
- Monday, March 24 from 12–4 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 15 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 16 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
All portrait appointments will take place in the Barbara Walters Campus Center Multipurpose Room C.
Make a Portrait Appointment for Monday, March 24
Make a Portrait Appointment for Tuesday, April 15 or Wednesday, April 16
Commencement Week Activities/Residence Hall Closings
Traditionally, Commencement Week is an opportunity for graduates to spend time with each other and with faculty. Seniors are welcome to remain in their residence halls during this time. Graduates must move out of their residence halls by 6 pm on Friday, May 9. See Commencement Week schedule here.
Cap & Gown
Cap and gown are provided to graduates at no charge. Measurements must be given to SLC Events by March 7. An email will be sent to graduates requesting this information. This regalia includes a cap and tassel, and students are welcome to keep the regalia after commencement. The regalia, called GreenWeaver®, is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles in an effort to remain environmentally conscious.
Graduation Announcements
Graduation announcements are available from Jostens. Order announcements online at www.jostens.com/college or by calling 1-800-854-7464.
Lodging and Restaurants
Some nearby hotels and restaurants offer discounted rates or specials for Sarah Lawrence College friends and family. Ask for the "SLC college" rate when booking or making a reservation.
ShopSLC Campus Store
Popping up on the 2nd floor of the Performing Arts Center throughout the semester: limited edition SLC gear. From t-shirts and sweatshirts to bags, mugs, and more, these exclusive items are available on campus only.
Shop These Dates & Times
- Thursday, May 8, 2 – 5 pm
- Friday, May 9, 12 – 2 pm