The Catholic University of America is ready to celebrate the Class of 2024 with several days of ceremonies and gatherings highlighted by actor Jonathan Roumie, acclaimed for his portrayal of Jesus in the streaming show The Chosen.
He will address graduates at the 135th annual commencement exercises and receive a Doctor of Fine Arts degree honoris causa.
The University also will confer honorary degrees upon Rabbi Jack Bemporad, John Finnis, Teresa Pitt Green, and Father Piotr Nawrot, distinguished leaders in interfaith dialogue, legal philosophy, healing ministry, and liturgical music.
The ceremony will be held at the Lawn/East Portico of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Get to know the schedule of events for the week below.
Thursday, May 9Nursing Pinning Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. in the Crypt Church of the Basilica
Athletics Diploma Ceremony: 1 p.m. in the Great Room of the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center
Senior Athletics Awards: 3 p.m. in the Great Room of the Pryzbyla Center and is only open to senior athletes, their two guests, and athletics staff.
Doctoral Hooding Ceremony: 6:30 p.m. at Heritage Hall in Father O'Connell Hall
Friday, May 10Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony: 10 a.m. at the Caldwell Hall Auditorium
Honors Convocation: 1 p.m in the Upper Church of the Basilica
Baccalaureate Mass: 4 p.m. in the Upper Church of the Basilica
The procession will begin at 3:30 p.m.
Guests should be seated before the start of the procession.
Champagne Toast to Class of 2024: Immediately following the Baccalaureate Mass (approximately 5:45 p.m.) on the West Lawn of the Pryzbyla Center
Saturday, May 11Commencement Ceremony: 10 a.m. at the East Steps of the Basilica
The procession will begin at 9:30 a.m. Guests should be seated before the start of the procession.
President’s Reception: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on the University Lawn
A livestream for the Baccalaureate Mass will be available here.
A livestream for commencement will be available here.
Each Diploma Ceremony will be recorded and uploaded on the Commencement website. The recordings will be available by May 13.