To our 2021 Benedictine Graduates and Community,

“For I know the plans I have for you—this is the Lord’s declaration—plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

One of the most significant and rewarding celebrations in a student’s life is their Commencement Ceremony, when their accomplishments are celebrated by their school, friends and all who have supported them as they complete an important chapter in their lives. We are in a unique time with the challenges brought about by the pandemic, and the Benedictine University graduating class of 2021 has demonstrated remarkable resilience and fortitude in their commitments to learning and education.

A Commencement Ceremony is traditionally both the stage for a student to celebrate their achievements, and the forum where family and friends who support the graduate come together. They are steeped in traditions, some universal, and others unique to this Institution. From the donning of the Cap and Gown to the ceremonial tune of Pomp and Circumstance, we have all grown to expect the day to look a certain way. That being said, as much as we may appreciate ceremonial traditions, they do not define a graduation. Which brings me to the announcement that the Commencement Ceremony for the class of 2021 is going to be performed virtually, for both our undergraduates and our graduate students, on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

The virtual Commencement will provide us all with opportunities we have never had, such as inviting friends and family to join from all over the world, making it possible for everyone to participate. Each and every student, along with their support system, has been persistent in their commitment to their education and their dedication to this University, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with you. In the coming weeks, we will be communicating with you on some additional opportunities to enhance and compliment our virtual Commencement Ceremony. Please know that we are working hard to provide some form of an interactive experience for our graduates to reflect their time at Benedictine University, while keeping within the guidelines implemented by our local, state and federal health experts for the safety and health of all.

I’d like to highlight the last part my opening quote from Jeremiah 29:11, “to give you a future and a hope”. Future and hope. Those two words are an important part of the fabric that make this year’s Commencement Ceremony so special. I am certain we will emerge from this experience with a stronger commitment to our faith in persevering, to this institution for all that we have gained as a community, and to the graduating class of 2021, and we look to a brighter future where we can share face-to-face celebrations once again.

Respectfully,
Charles W. Gregory
President, Benedictine University

Your graduation day is almost here!

Congratulations on all the hard work it took to get where you are today. Your Benedictine journey is nearly complete, but before you can close those books and turn the tassel on the next chapter of your life, we encourage you to review the following information so that you can make sure everything is set for the big day.

131st Commencement Convocations

One Benedictine Virtual Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 15, 2021
time TBD
Online - more information to come

To Graduates whose degree will be conferred on December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021, May 31, 2021, June 30, 2021, or August 31, 2021:

The Cap and Gown ordering website will open in January.  The Benedictine University Commencement Website will be updated and notifications will go out as details are determined and completed.  It is recommended to routinely check this website for more details starting mid-January.

Contacts include:

As always, if you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at:

Cheryl Heinz
Associate Provost
P: (630) 829-6581
Email: cheinz@ben.edu

Congratulations on your soon-to-be-conferred degree!