Commencement
Virtual Commencement Ceremonies
Please join us in recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2020! Our virtual commencement ceremonies feature formal remarks, student speeches and the presentation of degree candidates.
Virtual Graduate Commencement Ceremony
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Commencement Program
View and download this commemorative program, which features all speeches and the list of graduates. Click the "Fullscreen" or "Expand" button to view in mobile.
Drive-Through Celebration
Gwynedd Mercy University celebrated the Class of 2020 by hosting a Drive-Thru Commencement Celebration on Saturday, August 22.
Commencement Backdrops
Did you miss our Drive-Thru Commencement Celebration? Download the photo backgrounds at the link below to photoshop yourself in!
Commencement Backdrop Photos
Our Wish For You
More than 100 members of GMercyU's faculty and staff came together to congratulate the Class of 2020 and share their wishes for our newest Distinctive Mercy Graduates.
Honors Convocation
In lieu of our annual on-campus Honors Convocation event, which was to take place on Friday, May 8, we have created a special interactive Honors Convocation program.
Congratulations to all graduates who received honors and to our special award winners!
Welcome to the Alumni Association
You now join the ranks of more than 23,000 Distinctive Mercy Graduates who are making a difference – in the lives of others, in their communities, and around the world.
Dear Students of Mercy
Our prayer to you, Griffins - that you're empowered to share Mercy. That you aren't afraid to accept Mercy that is shared with your from others. And that you always share Mercy first, where you end up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the decision made to cancel in-person commencement ceremonies?
After we closed our campuses on March 11, 2020, we received an overwhelming number of requests from graduates asking us to consider rescheduling the May 9, 2020 ceremonies rather than canceling them. We listened to that feedback and worked with the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks to re-schedule the in-person ceremonies for August 20, 2020. This decision was made well before the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania implemented the red, yellow, and green phases for controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Although we will be entering the green phase of re-opening soon, the guidelines for this phase expressly prohibit gatherings of more than 250 people. We held off on making this very difficult choice until it became evident that Commonwealth restrictions would prevent us from holding our customary in-person events, and we did not make the decision lightly. At the end of the day, we had to put the health and safety of our students, their families, and the rest of our University community first, while also staying in compliance with Commonwealth requirements and CDC guidelines.
What about my graduation fee? Will that be refunded?
The graduation fee covers only a portion of the costs associated with University commencement events. The fee helps cover the costs to purchase and print your diploma and diploma cover and purchase your regalia and other commemorative materials. The graduation fee is non-refundable even if students choose not to attend their commencement ceremony or order regalia.
What is a virtual commencement ceremony?
A virtual commencement is a graduation ceremony that you can watch as soon as the link goes live on the commencement website (August 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. for the graduate ceremony, and August 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. for the undergraduate ceremony), watch at your convenience, or download. During each ceremony recording, you will be able to hear remarks from President D’Emilio, Provost Van Brunt, and student speakers. Your names will be read by the Academic Deans of your school just like an in-person ceremony.
Am I able to have graduation pictures taken?
Under usual circumstances, the University hosts a professional photographer on campus to take graduation portraits of our students. The photographer makes these portraits available for student purchase. Since we were unable to host graduation portraits on campus this spring, we will have a professional photographer on site during the drive-through commencement celebration on August 22, 2020. We invite you to have your picture taken in your regalia holding your diploma with your family and will make all pictures available free of charge.
How do I get my regalia and diploma?
If you graduated in August 2019, January 2020 or May 2020, we will mail them to you! Please complete this survey to make sure we have your most up-to-date shipping address. You can also let us know if you plan to attend the drive-through celebration on August 22, 2020. If you are graduating in August 2020, you will have your regalia shipped to you and can either pick up your diploma at the drive-through celebration on August 22, 2020 or elect to have it shipped to you beginning the week of August 24, 2020.
What if I received academic honors for the May 2020 Virtual Honors Convocation?
If you received academic honors for the May 2020 virtual Honors Convocation ceremony, we will include the appropriate cords, medals, awards, etc. in the shipment with your regalia and diploma. August 2020 graduates who are eligible will be able to participate in the May 2021 Honors Convocation ceremony.
What if I receive Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude)?
Graduates who receive Latin honors based upon their GPA will receive their medals with their diploma and regalia.
