For the first time in three years, Emory University’s graduation and Commencement festivities took place on campus, starting with undergraduate Class Day Crossover on May 5 and culminating in Emory College, Goizueta Business School and the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing undergraduate graduation ceremonies on May 9. In 2020, graduation and Commencement occurred completely virtually while the University hosted modified in-person Commencement and graduation events at the Georgia World Congress Center in 2021. Below are visual representations of Commencement and various graduation ceremonies honoring Emory’s undergraduate Class of 2022.

Former National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. and fighter pilot Scott Kelly gave the annual Class Day keynote address on May 5. Class Day is a student-organized event for students receiving their bachelor’s degree. Kelly was the first in-person speaker in three years, when current Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate Stacey Abrams addressed the Class of 2019.

Following Kelly’s address, students walked from the Emory Student Center (ESC) to McDonough Field with candles in hand. Emory alumni, faculty, staff and trustees are encouraged to line the path and cheer on the graduates. This symbolizes undergraduates crossing over from student to alumni status.

The Class of 2022 then entered McDonough Field for a night of music, food, alcohol and celebration. Graduates also participated in a final Coke Toast, a tradition that each student participates in when they initially matriculate into Emory.

Graduates of varying faiths gathered to celebrate their past four years at Emory University during the Multifaith Baccalaureate Ceremony in Cannon Chapel on May 6. University President Gregory Fenves attended to congratulate the seniors and give them commemorative magnets, which included the Muscogee Tribe symbol. Graduates also shared speeches, music and mediations with one another to celebrate their different religions.

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