Graduation 2026 graduates in front of stage at Erie Insurance Arena

2027 Graduation

Schedule of Events
    • Senior Class Gift Presentation, TBD
    • ROTC Commissioning, 11 a.m. | Performing Arts Center (PAC)
    • Academic Awards Convocation, 4 p.m.

    Times are subject to change.

    • Undergraduate and Graduate Ceremonies, TBD

2026 Graduation

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  • Graduates

    Female graduates soaking in the sun and their celebratory moment on the campus lawn.

    Graduation 2026 three female graduates laying on campus lawn
  • Graduates

    Male graduates outside of O’Neil Tower.

    Graduation 2026 two male graduates in front of O'Neil Tower
  • Graduates

    Female graduates outside Christ the King Chapel in front of the magnolia tree.

    Graduation 2026 four female graduates in front of Christ the King Chapel and magnolia tree
  • Graduates

    Female graduates tossing their graduation hats in the air in front of Old Main.

    Graduation 2026 two female graduates throwing their graduation caps in front of Old Main
  • Graduate

    Male graduate, representing his home Texas by wearing a cowboy hat, outside Christ the King Chapel in front of the magnolia tree.

    Graduation 2026 one male graduate in front of the Chapel and the magnolia tree
  • Graduate

    Female graduate in front of the gates, tossing her graduation gown over her shoulder.

    Graduation 2026 one female graduate in front of the gates
Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes, it will. You may access the livestreams for undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.

    Students will receive an email (to their 91´«Ã½ one) indicating when their cap and gown are ready for pick up. Graduates place the gown on a hanger immediately; if after several days there are still wrinkles, press it with a cool iron.Ìý

Directions
    • From Pittsburgh: I-79 north to I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (130 miles).
    • From Buffalo: I-90 west to Erie, exit 27 (95 miles).
    • From Cleveland: I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (95 miles).
    • From Philadelphia: PA Turnpike or I-80 west to I-79 north to I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (394 miles).
    • From New York City: I-80 west to I-79 north to I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (495 miles).
    • From Boston: I-90 west to Erie, exit 27 (552 miles).
    • From Long Island: Cross George Washington Bridge to I-80 west to I-79 north to I-90 east to Erie, exit 27 (485 miles).
    • From Exit 27 (State Street exit): Take Route 97 north for one mile to junction of Route 505. Veer right and continue on Route 97 north (Old French Road) to East 38th Street. Turn right, four blocks to 91´«Ã½ College.
    • From Erie International Airport: Head east on Route 5 (West 12th Street) to State Street. Turn right (south) on State Street to East 38th Street. Left five blocks to 91´«Ã½ College (10 miles).

    Directions to the arena from the following locations:

    Doors to the arena will be open 60 minutes prior to the event. Families and guests may use the main entrance.Ìý

    Permanent walk-through metal detectors have been installed at the 8,000 seat Erie Insurance Arena to improve safety for all patrons. Please keep in mind the following:

    • All patrons are subject to security screening as a condition of admission.
    • Bags and purses are subject to additional screening, slowing entry process. Bring only essential items.
    • Bottles, cans, flasks, noise makers, selfie sticks, weapons of any kind, as well as dangerous and unlawful materials are prohibited.
    • Outside food and beverages are prohibited.
    • Additional items may be prohibited as requested by teams, leagues, promoters, or artists.

    Call 814-453-7117 for additional information.Ìý

Additional Information

    A photographer will take your picture as you exit the stage with your diploma.

    Within about a week after graduation, you will receive a proof and a price list. You are under no obligation to purchase these photos; however, the GradImages photographer will be given access to the floor to capture each graduate for the families.

    For questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact:
    GradImages
    Customer Service Department
    P.O. Box 182829
    Tallahassee, FL 32318
    800-261-2576
    ecc.giservice@gradimages.net

    Their large team of customer care representatives are ready to help graduates and family members with anything they may need.

    Announcements
    91´«Ã½ University students who would like to announce their graduation through their hometown newspapers can do so by completing an online template, printing it and sending directly to the newspaper(s) in your area. You can also download the announcement template and send in an email.
    If you have questions about submitting your press release, call your local newspaper and ask for the News Desk to obtain the name of the person who handles college graduation announcements. For questions regarding the release, contact the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, David Raymond, at 814-824-2090 or draymond@mercyhurst.edu.

    Class Rings
    Class rings can be purchased via the .

    Flowers
    Flowers and class apparel will be available for sale at commencement. To pre-order and browse the selection, please visit the .Ìý

    Contact:
    Josh Luger
    Commencement Flowers
    732-947-0873
    josh.luger@commencementflowers.com

    Please remember to bring your academic attire. The following suggestions are made to help you be comfortable during the ceremony.

    Women

    •ÌýÌýÌýÌýWear a lightweight dress or skirt and blouse.
    •ÌýÌýÌýÌýMake sure your dress or skirt isn’t longer than your academic gown.
    •ÌýÌýÌýÌýConsider wearing a dress or skirt with a pocket.
    •ÌýÌýÌýÌýChoose flats or low heels. You will be walking a lot, including up and down metal stairs at Erie Insurance Arena.
    •ÌýÌýÌýÌýDo not wear a suit jacket under academic attire.

    Men

    •ÌýÌýÌýÌýWear dark dress pants (black, gray, or navy).
    •ÌýÌýÌýÌýSolid-colored, long-sleeve shirt.
    •ÌýÌýÌýÌýDark dress shoes and socks.
    •ÌýÌýÌýÂÖò¾±±ð.
    •ÌýÌýÌýÌýDo not wear a suit coat under academic attire.

    Carpe Diem Award
    This honor is the highest award presented by 91´«Ã½ University to a traditional-aged student. It is given in recognition of intellectual competency, personal integrity, and, especially, leadership impact. It is presented to the outstanding graduating senior who had the most positive impact on the life of the 91´«Ã½ community and who best exemplifies the university motto "Carpe Diem" to "Seize the Opportunity." The name and criteria for this award were established by the Sister of Mercy under the leadership of Mother Borgia Egan, the founding president of 91´«Ã½ University.

    Bishops Award of Excellence
    This award is chosen by grade point average and overall academic record. The winner must have taken the majority of classes toward the degree requirement at 91´«Ã½ University, with the exception of study abroad or with a 91´«Ã½-affiliated program. The Catholic Diocese of Erie sponsors this award. This award is presented at commencement.

    Sr. Carolyn Herrmann Service Award
    This award is given to a traditional graduating senior who has given unselfishly of time, energy, loyalty, and talent in the spirit of Sr. Carolyn Herrmann, who served as the university’s president from 1962–1970.

    Frank Barry Leadership Award
    This award is given to a traditional graduating senior who has exemplified superior student leadership and campus involvement during his or her time at 91´«Ã½ University. This award is named after Frank Barry, ’75, one of the first male student government presidents.

    Catherine McAuley Adult Student Award
    This award is presented to an adult student in recognition of superior work, as well as personal and professional achievement. The non-traditional student who wins this award will be the student who has been judged to be the most outstanding adult student in the graduating class. The award is based on GPA but also takes into account professional achievement, family responsibilities, and other challenges that can face adult students.