WashU Commencement History

In 1859 and 1860 “Closing Exercises” were held at year’s end for the first class of Washington University students.  The first graduation ceremony was the class of 1862, and graduation customs and locations have changed numerous times since that time.

Early 20th century traditions of graduation included: planting a class tree, reading a class history and poem, and a “Senior Pilgrimage” during commencement week.  In this event Seniors, wearing cap and gown, followed by underclassman, visited each major building on campus to give a tribute and remembrance.  (For further details, consult the Washington University Record Vol. 5, No. 2, February 1910.)  From 1904 until 1914 graduation ceremonies were held in a large tent on the quadrangle.  In 1915 the ceremonies moved into the gymnasium.  As of 2015 the event is held on the main quadrangle of campus.  In 2020, there was no ceremony because of the COVD-19 Pandemic.  Beginning in 2021, the ceremony was held on the Francis Olympic Field.