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News, Events & Arts

Commencement 2021

We are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2021 with an in-person Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10AM at the PPL Center in nearby Allentown.

We are committed to hosting an event that honors our graduates and allows them to celebrate with family members in a context that respects the safety guidelines to protect us from the coronavirus.

As of now, graduates will each get two guest tickets for commencement. Please note, this number is subject to change pending capacity restrictions at PPL center. We will update this page as more information becomes available. 

Because the in-person commencement ceremony will have limited seating, we are also producing an exciting virtual commencement ceremony that will be streamed in a way graduates and families can enjoy from the safety and comfort of their choosing.

 

Please watch this special announcement from our President, Fr. Jim Greenfield, OSFS. 

We are thrilled to announce the exciting news of a modified in-person Commencement Ceremony to be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at the PPL Center in nearby Allentown. Fr. Jim Greenfield, OSFS, University president, has recorded a special video announcement message.
Please see the YouTube video for closed captions.

Need to Know Info

Student Commencement Countdown

  • Step #1 — Apply for Graduation

    Your application for graduation must be completed by April 1, 2021 even if you do not plan to walk in the ceremony. This is the process that results in completion of your transcript and the conferring of your degree.

    1. By April 1: Complete application for graduation on WebAdvisor 
    2. By March 26: Order your cap and gown order your cap and gown from Joston's
      Note: any caps and gowns ordered after that date will not be guaranteed receipt by May 21. 
      If shipping cap and gown to yourself on campus please use:
      DeSales BOOKSTORE, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, PA 18034

     

  • Step #3 — Submit your photo & shout out / favorite quote

    Since our in-person commencement ceremony will have limited seating, we’re putting together a special keepsake virtual ceremony to help ALL of your loved ones celebrate your big day!

    Submit your photo and a special thank you shout out to someone special or a favorite inspirational quote by April 28, 2021.

    Submit your photo and shout out 

  • Step #2 — Commencement Clearance

    To be cleared to graduate, you must satisfy all obligations to the University. The following must be completed by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2021:
    • Business Office 
      Second floor - Dooling Hall
      Payment of any outstanding balances.
    • Financial Aid Office
      First floor - Dooling Hall
      Where appropriate, completion of exit interview.
    • Library
      Return of all books and payment of any outstanding fines.
    • Career Development Center
      Fill out the First Destination Survey 

  • Step #4 — Celebrate at Baccalaureate & Commencement!

    • Baccalaureate
      Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 5PM 
      DeSales Campus
    • Commencement Ceremony (In-person)
      Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10AM
      PPL Center 701 Hamilton Street, PA 18101

    Ticket information coming soon!

    Note: Academic attire is required for Baccalaureate and Commencement

     

     

  • Step #5 — Receive your official diploma!

    Diplomas will be mailed to the address provided by students on their application for graduation application approximately six weeks after the ceremony.

  • Honor Cords Policy

    It is University policy that honor cords are only for students who have been inducted into honor societies. Cords associated with honor societies are given out at honor society inductions; therefore, students are not to purchase any separate cords. Latin honors (summa cum laude/magna cum laude/cum laude) are not designated by any cords; however, they are noted in the Commencement program. 

  • Senior Class Gift

    Part of the tradition of graduating is participating in your Senior Class Gift. This act of giving back and strengthening the future of DeSales University is a time-honored tradition since 1965. The Office of Institutional Advancement would like to honor your gift with a special thank you – a Class of 2021 donor pin for you to wear at commencement.

    Make Your Senior Class Gift Today

Guests’ Guide to Commencement

  • Area Lodging

    Area Hotels

  • Guest Seating

    As of now (3/27/21), graduates will each get two guest tickets for commencement. Please note, this number is subject to change pending capacity restrictions at PPL center. We will update this page as more information becomes available. 

     

  • Place an Ad in the Yearbook

    What better way to honor your student than with an ad in the yearbook? Creating your ad is easy, and can be done from anywhere with our online ad builder.

    Here’s how to create the perfect message for your son, your daughter, or your squad:

    1. Visit the Balfour.com DeSales University Yearbook Ad webpage 
    2. Fill out the first name, last name, and grade fields, then click the "shop for this student" button. (You DO NOT need to enter a yearbook code)
    3. Choose the size you want to purchase
    4. Watch this video to learn how to create your ad
    5. Create an account on Balfour.com
    6. Look for an email within 1 business day confirming your ad workspace is available
    7. Log into your Balfour.com account and look under "My Orders" to design your ad
    8. When you’re ready, choose "Submit Your Ad" to send it to the yearbook staff

    Have Questions? Call Balfour at 1-800-944-5930

     

     

"The beginning of good things is good; the progress, better; the end, best."

- St. Francis de Sales (T II 19)

Contact Us

Commencement Information
610-282-1100