By Joe Shuron
Chestnut Hill College has split the May 2024 commencement into two ceremonies following student opposition to graduation being moved indoors, to Sorgenti Arena, and a limit of two tickets per student.
CHC President William Latimer met with student representatives during spring break and on Thursday sent students an email announcing the change to two commencement ceremonies in Sorgenti and four tickets per student.
Both ceremonies will take place on May 11: The first at 10 a.m. for graduates in the Center for Business and the Center for Natural and Behavioral Studies, and the second at 2 p.m. for graduates in the Center for Data & Society, the Center for Education, Advocacy, and Social Justice, and the Center for Integrated Humanities, as well as graduates of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
In May 2023, CHC’s commencement was held outside under a tent, and each graduating student was given four tickets.
The original decision to hold the 2024 commencement in Sorgenti Arena sparked outrage among students. An online petition started by senior Morgan Todd gathered over 500 signatures.
“I started this petition because I was talking to some of my fellow graduates,” Todd said, “and we were trying to find a way to make sure the school knows this is something we are passionate about. We figured that getting a list together with students and families of graduates shows how extensive this means to the CHC community. It makes it known that we are not just talking about it but actually want to change it.”
The student representatives mentioned in the message from Latimer are senior business administration and management major Annika Wise and graduating junior media and communication major Cole Stanchina.
Before the meeting with Latimer, Wise said, “As an international-student who has family flying all the way from Australia to be a part of the Chestnut Hill College 2024 commencement ceremony I am disappointed that the College officials and administration didn’t emphasize that such a change had been made to the typical Chestnut Hill graduation ceremony well in advance. Additionally, the lack of student input for such a big change that directly affects us seniors and our family/friend’s ability to be a part of our commencement ceremony is disheartening. I hope Chestnut Hill College begins to listen to the many voices of our senior student body who are advocating for a change to the current 2024 commencement plan, at least for the benefit of the future years of Chestnut Hill College students.”
The change breaks up the class of 2024 and still has seniors wanting the graduation tent to return for the class of 2025.
“One reason I picked Chestnut Hill was because it was like a Hogwarts castle and the beautiful campus,” fifth-year senior and business administration and management major Lindsey Lane said. “Graduating in Sorgenti Arena diminishes the experience of a scenic outdoor graduation. The president heard us and came up with a solution, but next year’s class should definitely graduate outside.”
As of now, Sorgenti Arena will be the venue for foreseeable Chestnut Hill College graduations.
