Commencement 2020

2020 Commencement

Experience the sights and sounds of this very special fall commencement all over again.

Congratulations
Class of 2020!

It’s been an extraordinary journey and we are so happy to finally have the opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2020 together as a community. Scroll down to see highlights from their return to campus and a commencement ceremony as unique as the Class of 2020.

2020 Commencement Speakers

President Price

Commencement Speaker:
Ken Jeong

Learn more about Ken Jeong and the rest of our 2020 honorary degree recipients.

Student Speaker:
Sabrina Maciariello

Read more about Sabrina Maciariello and her speech.

The fall commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 was held on Abele Quad
Graduates reconnect and laugh during lineup
Two graduates embrace waiting in the line up to walk
Graduates enter Abele Residential Quad for the ceremony
Friends and Family line the route to the graduates’ seats
A graduate fist bumps someone in the crowd as he walks
A graduate flashes the peace sign walking to her seat with the James B. Duke statue in the background
Graduates walk down the stone paths on Abele Quad
Graduates record the experience while walking for commencement
Friends and family try to get a view of the entering graduates
A graduate makes his way to his seat with a decorated cap
Keynote speaker Ken Jeong and President Price wave as they enter the ceremony
The university mace leads the procession of faculty
The faculty can be seen files onto the stage in this aerial
Provost Sally Kornbluth walks in the procession with Student Speaker Sabrina Maciariello
  • Graduates sit among the trees on Abele Quad
  • A graduation cap decorated with a Blue Devil
  • A graduate reacts during an emotional ceremony
Graduates toss their caps in celebration of their accomplishment
A group of graduates poses for a photo in front of Duke Chapel after the ceremony

More Moments from Commencement

Explore everything our photographers captured during commencement weekend.

Download Photos

A Look Back

Before celebrating the moment a year-and-a-half in the making, we look back at the time the Class of 2020 spent together on campus.

Class of 2020 Memories, Moments and Milestones

Mementos, Memorabilia & More

From class rings to commencement programs, find everything you need to commemorate your accomplishment.

Memorabilia & Traditions

Welcome Home, Blue Devils

An exciting weekend of events greeted the Class of 2020 as they returned to campus to finally celebrate their accomplishment with their family, friends and classmates.

An acapella group performs in front of a light-up Duke sign in Karsh
Gradautes play Duke/Durham minigolf at a welcome event at Karsh Alumni and Visitor Center
Members of the Class of 2020 get professional photos taken in Duke Gardens
Graduates post with letters spelling out "Duke"
A graduate adds photos of loved ones to their cap
Football game on commencement weekend

Commencement Ceremony

Re-watch the livestream of the 2020 Commencement Ceremony from Sunday, September 26, 2021.

Past Commencement Ceremonies

Experience the Excitement Again

Browse photos and video from past commencement ceremonies and relive the excitement of commencement day all over again.

Commencement Archive