THIS IS A GRADUATE-ONLY EVENT. 

7–8 p.m.: Students will arrive for health screening and to pick up torches.

Prior check-in is required to participate. Check-in (on Whitnall Field, Saturday, May 8, noon–3 p.m.) requires students to present proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test; they will receive a bracelet to participate.

8 p.m.: Torchlight procession.

We ask that guests stay off campus. A designated viewing area will be at the bottom of the hill along Broad Street to watch the procession come down through Willow Path.

Thanks to the generosity of Paul H. Cascio '83, P'17, '19, '21 and Karen Long Cascio, the Class of 2021 will be able to keep their torches as a memento.

Livestream

This event will be livestreamed at https://www.colgate.edu/commencement2021

Weather Notice

Colgate University officials monitor weather conditions prior to and during the torchlight ceremony. In the event of high winds, lightning or other weather conditions that may have an adverse impact on the ceremony, University officials will transmit emergency instructions via the outdoor warning system, including notification for evacuation of persons from the torchlight route.  Please pay close attention and follow instructions given on the emergency message and any instructions from campus safety and police officers.