An exciting weekend of events has been planned for the Class of 2020. Find activities across campus and make sure to pick up your welcome package as you get re-oriented to campus. Our in-person commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 will be held on Abele Quad on Sunday, September 26, 2021.
There’s still time! Class of 2020, claim your complimentary (general admission) football tickets that include your concessions voucher.
Friday, September 24
Climb the Chapel
9 AM – 6:30 PM
Experience the tradition of hiking up 239 steps to the top of Duke Chapel. Open to pre-registered graduates only. Masks and appropriate footwear required (no high heels, loose-fitting shoes or flipflops).
Duke Chapel
Welcome Home, Blue Devils
10 AM – 7 PM
Make a visit to the Karsh Alumni & Visitors Center one of your first stops any time you return to campus. On Friday, stop by your Duke “living room” to check out the interactive digital wall and enjoy some Blue Devil fun and games.
Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center
Photos in Duke Gardens
2 – 5 PM
Capture your graduation experience against the beautiful backdrop of Duke Gardens. Professional photographers will take formal photos on the terraces, or you can find a selfie station and snap your own shots. Enjoy free Loco Pops on the South Lawn.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Welcome Package Pickup
3 – 7 PM
On Friday, please stop by either the Bryan Center or Karsh Alumni & Visitor Center to pick up a special Welcome Package with a commemorative gift and appetizers for you and your guests to enjoy as you visit some of your favorite outdoor spots on campus.
Karsh Alumni & Visitors Center and Bryan Center
Customize Your Cap with DukeCreate
3 – 7 PM
DukeCreate is bringing everything you need to express your journey on your big day. Pick up your apparel and stop by to decorate your cap.
Bryan Center Plaza
2020 Night at the Nasher
5 – 8 PM
Graduates and their families are invited for exclusive access to the museum after it closes to the public at 5PM. View perennial favorite works and new acquisitions, and enjoy the stunning architecture of the Nasher as the sun sets. Make your own wearable art with a custom screen-printed t-shirt with DukeCreate.
Nasher Museum of Art
Saturday, September 25
Climb the Chapel
9 AM – 4 PM
Experience the tradition of hiking up 239 steps to the top of Duke Chapel. Open to pre-registered graduates only. Masks and appropriate footwear required (no high heels, loose-fitting shoes or flipflops).
Duke Chapel
Customize Your Cap with DukeCreate
9 AM – noon
Get your morning started with DukeCreate graduation cap decorating! Pick up your apparel and stop by to decorate your cap. Make sure to look for our coffee voucher to redeem with some of your favorite Duke Dining vendors!
Bryan Center Plaza
Photos on Abele Quad
12 – 4 PM
Head over to Abele Residential Quad for the opportunity to take some fun photos and visit with other members of the class of 2020!
Abele Quad
Pitchforks Senior Show
1 PM
Join The Pitchforks as they honor the Class of 2020 with a mini-concert in Duke Gardens. Look and listen for them near Flowers Drive and the koi pond!
Fisher Amphitheater, Duke Gardens
Football Game
4 PM
Watch the Blue Devils take on Kansas at this special commencement weekend game honoring the Class of 2020. Gates will open 90 minutes before kickoff. Make sure to reserve your tickets to take advantage of this concessions vouchers for the game.
You will not want to miss the half-time show!
Please note: all attendees at the commencement weekend are expected to be vaccinated. Masks will be required at the football game and the commencement ceremony but are not required in other outdoor settings (walking on campus, exercising, etc.). Masks are required inside all Duke buildings and on campus buses and shuttles.
Sunday, September 26
Commencement Ceremony
9 AM
Join us for a university-wide celebration of the Class of 2020.
The Duke community is excited to celebrate the Class of 2020 with a commencement ceremony held on campus on Sunday, September 26, 2021. September 2019, December 2019, and May 2020 graduates from all ten Duke schools are invited to attend.
Abele Quad, West Campus