When was the first graduation ceremony at the University of Colorado Boulder?

The first commencement week began on Sunday, June 4, 1882, featuring such events as a baccalaureate sermon, class day exercise and receptions that culminated in commencement on Thursday, June 8, 1882.

How many people were in the first graduating class?

Six people― Henry Drumm, Harold Thompson, Richard Whitely, Oscar Jackson, John Millette and James McFarland.

When was the Alumni Association formed?

The Alumni Association was established by CU graduates on June 8, 1882, the afternoon after the university’s first commencement. These first alumni recognized the need for an ongoing involvement with the University and laid out their objectives for an alumni organization. Henry Drumm was elected president of the Association.

When did the first woman graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder?

Ella Tyler graduated in 1886.

Who were the Canebearers?

Canebearers carried the senior cane, a symbol of merit and honor, while leading the processional at commencement. Starting in 1900, one male senior was chosen each year by his classmates for this honor. In 1934 an outstanding female senior became part of the tradition. She carried a large bouquet of red roses and walked with the Canebearer.  Because of increasing class sizes, the tradition was discontinued in 1972.

Each year, the grand marshal begins the commencement ceremony. What object does the marshal carry?

The academic mace is carried by the marshal at such public events as commencement, presidential inauguration and convocation. The University of Colorado mace was designed by Mary Sartor (A&S’67, MA’71),  for the commencement ceremony of May 1984 and given to CU by Mr. and Mrs. David G. Hawthorn.

Which CU president is honored at every commencement with excerpts from one of his graduation speeches?

President George Norlin’s address to the graduating class of 1935 is repeated at every commencement. It is known as the Norlin Charge.

Why is an official graduation ceremony called “commencement?”

The term symbolizes both the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one.

Which class was the first to wear caps and gowns at CU commencement exercises?

The class of 1901. By 1902, it became the custom for seniors to wear their caps and gowns during the last month of school in the spring semester.

What special piece of jewelry does the CU president wear at commencement?

The Chain of Office was designed by Mary Sartor (A&S’67, MA’71), created for the inauguration of President Arnold R. Weber in 1980 and given to CU by Mr. and Mrs. David G. Hawthorn.

When was the official academic regalia dress code established in the United States?

In 1896, colleges and universities in the United States adopted a uniform code governing academic dress.

What is CU’s alma mater?

Hail, all hail our Alma Mater!
Ever will our hearts be true:
You will live with us forever,
Loyal we will be to you.
We will sing forever your praises,
Ever more our love renew,
Pledge our whole devotion to you.
Dear old CU!