As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2021's culmination of their undergraduate studies at the University, below please find final details for the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony.

The Baccalaureate Mass will be presided over by the Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of the Diocese of Worcester on Saturday, May 8, 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 38 High Street in Worcester. Concelebrants will include members of the Assumptionist community and the Homily will be given by Deacon Paul Covino, Director of Campus Ministry.  

The Commencement Ceremony will be held at the DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 9, 2021. A Commencement Address will be given by Pulitzer-prize winning and nationally syndicated Washington Post columnist George F. Will. Remarks will also be given by the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2021. Honorary Degrees will be presented to Mr. Will and Mr. Vincent Strully Jr., Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the New England Center for Children.

It is important to note that if the field hospital at the DCU Center is reactivated or if the public health situation declines in the coming weeks, the University will comply with any recommendations by the Worcester Department of Public Health and transition to a virtual ceremony, but only if necessary.

To comply with Commonwealth gathering restrictions, admission to the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement is by ticket only. Each graduate is welcome to invite two guests to the Mass and Commencement. Please click here for tickets to the Baccalaureate Mass. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, seating for the Baccalaureate Mass will be limited to 330 people total (tickets will be distributed in “pods” of 3 people).

Tickets for the Commencement will be mailed to graduates’ home address on record with the University. Seating in groups of two will be randomly assigned for the purpose of contact tracing, if needed.

Following Commencement, graduates and their two guests are welcome to return to campus where they may take photos with the Greyhound statue by the Brian Kelly ’83 Stadium and by the Assumption College and University signs, at the entrance of campus. Graduates and their guests must wear masks while on campus and practice social distancing at all times.

Please know that the Hound Store will not be open on May 9, but you may order Assumption products online.

Additional information can be found on the University website.

Please contact Dan DiTullio in the Office of the President with any questions regarding Commencement or the Baccalaureate Mass at [email protected]

I look forward to recognizing the academic achievements of the Class of 2021 on May 9.

Sincerely,

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.

President