Students oppose graduation move to Sorgenti Arena

By Joe Shuron

Students at Chestnut Hill College started an online petition Tuesday after learning that the May graduation ceremony is set for Sorgenti Arena.

Graduating students are limited to two guest tickets to accommodate for the limited space in Sorgenti Arena. Additional guests are invited to watch a live stream in the East Parlor and Redmond Room in Saint Joseph Hall.

This move is a sharp contrast from last year’s graduation. The class of 2023 was guaranteed four tickets to the commencement ceremony in the Grad Tent on the softball field.

The petition requests graduation be moved back outside.

“It would mean that everyone would be able to see us physically graduate whether it be family, friends, alumni, etc.,” said senior Morgan Todd, who started the online petition. “It gives a bigger sense of community, which is a foundation of CHC. The core value of ‘just relationship’ specifically says ‘We live this value by celebrating one another’s potential and achievements.’ What is a better way to celebrate each other’s achievements than making graduation accessible to more people to physically be there?”

The petition had 342 signatures at the time this story was initially published.

Todd said in an update on change.org that the petition has been brought to the attention of college administration, but “[u]nfortunately, at this moment they are implying that things are finalized.”

Students have also directly communicated their opinion to college administration.

Graduating junior media and communication major Cole Stanchina said in an email to school officials, “It is disheartening to think that our feedback and preferences as students seem to have been overlooked in planning such a significant event. The lack of communication and transparency is unsettling.”

The class of 2024 is set to graduate May 11 at 10:30 a.m.