Commencement
The Simmons University Commencement Ceremonies celebrate the achievements of undergraduate and graduate students who have successfully completed their degree programs. Degree candidates and their families are invited to participate in Simmons' in-person and virtual Commencement ceremonies.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
The 120th Simmons University Commencement Ceremonies took place on Friday, May 16, 2025 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.
The Commencement Ceremonies event page contains the details on the breakdown of the morning and afternoon ceremonies.
Watch the recap of the day. Full ceremonies are available on the Watch Commencement page.
It's time to celebrate your achievements!
The details provided here will be updated as details are finalized.
Celebrations for Undergraduate Students
Each year we celebrate the achievements of the graduating class with a number of festivities during the week before the Commencement ceremony. Events typically include a Social Hour, Senior Academic and Leadership Awards, Senior/Faculty Lunch, Commencement Ball, Food Trucks, Senior Toast, and more.
Celebrations for Graduate Students
We offer several special Graduate Commencement Celebrations to celebrate the accomplishments of Doctoral and Master's students completing their degree requirements including a hooding ceremony, affinity breakfast and master's reception.
Commencement Ceremony Tickets and Venue
The ceremonies on May 16 will take place at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, located at 2 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA, a wheelchair accessible venue. Tickets are required. Get the details!
Staying in Boston
Staying in Boston for Commencement? Family and guests of students participating in the May 16, 2025 Commencement Ceremonies can book discounted accommodation at a number of nearby hotels.
Commencement Day Details and Guidelines
Get all of the details you need to enjoy your day, from arrival and line-up through diploma pick up.
Commencement Programs
Simmons has adopted an environmentally friendly approach to our Commencement programs. You can choose to view the list of names on our website, or download a program to print.
Get a Personalized Graduation Video Clip
To celebrate the Class of 2025, Simmons University is providing each of our graduates with the opportunity to purchase a personalized StageClip.
Reflections on the Simmons Experience
Undergraduate and graduate students in the Class of 2025 share their stories of growth, discovery, and what excites them most about the journey ahead.
Commencement Related News
Celebrating Online Degree Completion Graduates, Class of 2025
Felipa Arevalo and Christina Orfanos are among the 2025 graduates in the Simmons Online Degree Completion Program for adult learners. We spoke to a few graduates about what the program meant to them.
Simmons University Celebrates the Class of 2025
On Friday, May 16, 2025, Simmons University celebrated the 120th Commencement Ceremonies at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. These events honored the many accomplishments of the Class of 2025. Over 500 baccalaureate degrees and nearly 1,500 graduate degrees were awarded.
Simmons Names 2025 Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients
Simmons University will recognize two Honorary Degree recipients during the 2025 Commencement ceremonies. Long-serving Massachusetts State Senator and women’s rights advocate Harriette L. Chandler ’83MBA, and visionary leader and former CEO of Boston Children’s Hospital Sandra L. Fenwick ’72.
Six Students Selected for the 2025 Senior Scholar Award
Ginjer Doherty ’25, Aviva Foster ’25, CJ Haggard ’25, Theo Hatfield ’25, Lili Malatinszky ’25, and Grace Walters ’25 have been selected for the prestigious Senior Scholar Award at Simmons University. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships, the Senior Scholar Award recognizes outstanding scholarly research across different disciplinary fields.
Simmons University Celebrates the Class of 2024
On Friday, May 17, 2024, Simmons University celebrated the 119th Commencement Ceremonies at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. These events honored the many accomplishments of the Class of 2024. Simmons awarded over 500 baccalaureate degrees and nearly 2,100 graduate degrees during these ceremonies.
The Simmons Connection: A Tale of Two Sisters
Abby (Bent) McKie ’00 ’02HS (Nutrition) and Dana Bent ’24MSW share their Simmons connection.
Simmons Names 2024 Commencement Speakers & Honorary Degree Recipients
Two Honorary Degree recipients will be recognized during the 2024 Commencement ceremonies. Renowned American academic and author Dr. Meredith Woo will serve as Simmons’ Commencement speaker at the morning ceremony. Trailblazing Nobel Memorial Prize-winning economist Dr. Claudia Goldin will serve as our afternoon Commencement speaker.
Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars
The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.
Guidelines and Policies
Students who will have completed their program degree requirements between July 2024 to May 2025 are invited to participate in Commencement.
If you have questions about your degree completion, please reach out to the Registrar’s Office at [email protected] to verify your degree progress.
Undergraduate Eligibility and Timeline
Undergraduate students who have submitted their Senior Audit and are on track to complete their degree requirements by May 2025 will be automatically invited to participate in Commencement. Please note that seniors who have not completed their Senior Audit will not receive an invitation to RSVP.
Graduate Eligibility and Timeline
Graduate students who are on track to complete their program requirements between July 2024 and May 2025, including the successful defense of a dissertation and/or a doctoral project, and its formal acceptance by their Program, will be automatically invited to participate in Commencement.
Regalia
Participants are encouraged to review our standards related to the academic regalia and adornments worn. The policy applies to baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral graduates of Simmons University.