Graduation & Commencement

Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6

Schedule varies | Senior Presentations

Senior Presentations are the opportunity for seniors to showcase their intellectual curiosity, innovation, and dedication as they share their research findings, insights, passions, and creativity with the community. Join us for an opportunity to engage with student research and to applaud their hard work and perseverance.

Wednesday, May 14

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Graduating Student Potluck Picnic at Parco Tassino (Pink Castle Park)

Join us for a potluck picnic to celebrate the achievements of graduating students with friends, good food, and a beautiful view. Bring a dish to share, relax in the park, and enjoy a fun-filled gathering before the next big adventure. Don’t miss this chance to make lasting memories! More details will be shared by email with students closer to the event. 

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Graduating Student Toast

Join us in extending warm congratulations to our graduating students! The Office of Student Life and the Student Government Association are proud to sponsor this toast, reflecting our commitment to creating a sense of belonging through respect and compassion.

Location: President’s Lawn (Rain Site: Holman Hall)
More details will be shared by email with students closer to the event.

Thursday, May 15

11:00 am - 12:30 pm | Awards Ceremony and Graduating Student Celebration

A celebration of our student academic achievements will be held in the Nielsen Auditorium. Join us for a morning of appreciation and applause as we look back on the year of academic accomplishments. More details will be shared by email closer to the event.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Alumni Council sponsored Graduates Boat Cruise

The Alumni Council celebrates the graduating class of 2025 and welcomes them to the Alumni Association. All graduating students, trustees, alumni, faculty, staff and guests are welcome. Advance registration is required. Space is limited. More details will be shared by email with graduating students in April.

Friday, May 16

10:00 am - 1:00 pm | Commencement Rehearsal for Graduates – Attendance Mandatory

Commencement Rehearsal in the FUS auditorium. At the Rehearsal, you will collect your graduation cap and gown, and have your class photo taken! All graduating Bachelor’s degree students are required to attend! Students who do not participate in the Rehearsal will not be allowed to participate in the Commencement Ceremony the following day.

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Graduating Student and Family Reception

A reception (aperitif) for graduating Franklin students and their family members will be held in the evening of Friday, May 16, 2025 on the beautiful Monte San Salvatore. Advance registration is required. More details will be shared by email closer to the event.

10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free Guided City Walk in Lugano

Participants are invited to experience Lugano through the eyes of residents as they are escorted through the historic streets. Limited space available and advance registration is required. Register on the Lugano Region website. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather for this outdoor opportunity. More information is available at the Info Point Lugano Region located at Via Magatti 6, Lugano.

Location: Meet at the Info Point Lugano Region, Via Magatti 6 in downtown Lugano for the start of the walking tour.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Commencement Ceremony Arrival Timings

4:00 pm | Commencement Ceremony

Celebrate the Class of 2025 at our Commencement Ceremony at the LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura), followed by a reception. This memorable event will be a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. Graduates, along with their families and friends, will gather to honor this significant milestone in their lives. Join us for this time of reflection, joy, and excitement as we send off the Class of 2025 into the next chapter of their lives.

Location: Sala Teatro, First Floor, LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura.