53rd Annual Commencement

Friday, July 12, 2024

MVP Arena, Albany NY • Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. ET

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Walking across the stage at Commencement is a rewarding way to celebrate your hard work. Please join us for the Excelsior University Commencement in Albany, New York on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the MVP Arena. Registration and regalia are required for the in-person ceremony.

This webpage is our Commencement hub. Check back for additional information especially as the event gets closer.
Headshot of Dr. Norvell Coots
The accomplished Norvell V. Coots, MD, will be the Commencement speaker and receive the 2024 Alumni Service Award at the ceremony. An Excelsior alumnus, physician, and retired brigadier general, Coots recently retired as the president and CEO at Holy Cross Health and the Maryland region of Trinity Health. His extensive accolades encompass both civilian and military awards, notably the National Medical Association’s Scroll of Merit and the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal.

Read more below for our event attendance details. Visit our FAQ page for more answers to your most common Commencement questions.

The Class of 2024 is invited to Commencement on July 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Excelsior’s graduating class includes students with degrees conferred from July 2023 through June 2024. If your degree will not be conferred until after June, you may request to march before degree conferral and, if you meet specific criteria, you will be approved to register to participate in the ceremony. Please contact your advisor before June 3, 2024 if you have any questions or to make this request. 

Please note:

Refer to the graduate processing parameters for specific details regarding conferral dates.

You may also check your graduation status when you log in to MyExcelsior.

Also, if you are taking your last course during the Spring 15-week or Spring II terms, your degree will be conferred on July 19, 2024, and you must contact your advisor before June 3, 2024, to request to march before conferral.

Friday, July 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m. ET
 

MVP Arena
located at:
51 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207

Graduate Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. ET
Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. ET

Graduate instructions will be added here and emailed to registered graduates prior to the event.

Register Online
Tickets

Tickets are not limited or required to attend the ceremony. Graduates are encouraged to invite family and friends to enjoy the celebration.

The ceremony will be livestreamed with engagement opportunities for graduates who are watching and celebrating from a distance. Details to come.

Regalia is required to participate in the Commencement ceremony. Please use the link below to purchase your specific regalia package from Oak Hall.
 
Regalia will be shipped directly to graduates and must be brought to the ceremony to participate. The deadline to place your order is Monday, June 10, 2024.
Order Regalia

Commencement takes place in downtown Albany, New York at the MVP Arena. The Arena website has complete information including directions and parking.
 
Visit Discover Albany or download their app for all kinds of travel and tourism information. Hotels and restaurants in the Downtown sections of their website are closest to the MVP Arena – some are within walking distance, but not all.
 

The website of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is another resource for planning including dining and parking information.

Make your trip even more memorable and plan to explore the historic sites and attractions the Capital Region of New York State has to offer. For statewide tourism information, visit the I Love NY website or download their app.

The MVP Arena is accessible and equipped with platform seating areas for guests with mobility issues. Unless you have prearranged seating, these areas are available first-come, first-served and will accommodate two guests with open seating close by. Staff will be available for questions at the entrances on the Concourse level.
 
View MVP Arena accessibility information here: https://www.mvparena.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility
 

A sign-language interpreter will be at the ceremony for those with hearing impairments. If you or any of your guests require accommodations, contact acs@excelsior.edu or 844-427-4356 by June 21, 2024.

If you have questions related to your degree conferral date and your academic eligibility to participate in the event, please contact your advisor.
If you have questions related to the event, email commencement@excelsior.edu or call 518-608-8181.

 

Graduate Awards

Two Excelsior University studenst at commencement

  • Student Support Award
    This award honors a special person or group of people whose valuable assistance and encouragement significantly contributed in helping a graduate earn a degree. Complete your nomination by
    Monday, April 8, 2024

  • Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award
    This award recognizes the achievements of a student who has consistently modeled a core Excelsior University value: respecting the uniqueness of each individual; celebrating and learning from differences; ensuring that all voices are heard, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented; and leading efforts that enhance inclusion, equity and justice in their classroom, organization, or community. Apply by Monday, April 8, 2024

  •    

Be the Class of 2024 Graduate Speaker!

Excelsior University Commencement at the MVP Arena

Represent your class at Commencement and consider nominating yourself as graduate speaker. Submit a brief statement incorporating what you value most about your Excelsior experience and a general overview of your proposed speech topic. Please include any previous public speaking experience.

Email your statement to commencement@excelsior.edu by
Friday, May 17, 2024.

Graduate Slideshow

Graduate slideshow

  • Upload your celebratory photos to be included in a special slideshow on Commencement day.
  • The deadline to submit your photos is June 21, 2024.
  •  
    Submit Your Photos Here

Celebrate on Social

Excelsior University student at commencement

Download digital swag and share your success on social media with the #excelsiorproud. Like and follow Excelsior University on X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Download grad graphics for:

Professional Graduate Photographs

Excelsior University student at commencement

  • Island Photography will take professional photos as graduates cross the stage during the ceremony. If you are attending Commencement, click here to register your contact information. Color proofs and ordering information will be sent after the ceremony with no obligation to purchase.
  • If you have any questions please visit Island Photography’s website or contact their customer service team via email at custserv@islandphoto.com or phone at 800-869-0908.

Excelsior Merchandise

Excelsior University student at commencement

Welcome to the Alumni Association

Excelsior University student at commencement

The Alumni Association, now more than 190,000 strong, encourages alumni to stay connected, share their successes, and serve as advocates for Excelsior and our students. Every Excelsior graduate belongs — no application, no dues required!

Stay engaged and join our community on Excelsior Connects.

Celebrating Our Graduates

See all of the Excelsior University graduates from February 2024.

Congratulations
Excelsior University Graduates

Nursing

Health Sciences

Technology

Business

Public Service

Liberal Arts

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Excelsior University Class of 2020 #Excelsior Proud

Excelsior students have places to go, people to see and lives to change, that’s why we grant degrees throughout the year. View the lists of each month’s graduates.

See the Excitement from Commencement 2023!

Watch a slideshow of photos shared by our 2023 graduates

 

 

Full Commencement ceremonies are available in our Commencement archive.

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