Purdue Fort Wayne set to return commencement ceremonies to the big stage

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Friday will mark the first time since May 2019 that graduates of Purdue University Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne will walk across the stage at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum as part of a formal rite of passage observed 52 times before.

To accommodate graduates from the two most recent academic years, Purdue Fort Wayne will host two commencement ceremonies.

The first begins at noon and will be for graduating students from the Richard T. Doermer School of Business; the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science; Indiana University Fort Wayne Health Sciences; the College of Professional Studies; and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Doors open to the public at 11:15 a.m.

The second begins at 7 p.m. and will be for all master’s programs and the College of Arts and Sciences. Doors open to the public at 6:15 p.m.

Both ceremonies will also be livestreamed.

“This is such a special milestone for all involved,” said Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, chancellor, Purdue University Fort Wayne. “It celebrates the hard work of students who have earned Purdue University and Indiana University degrees, which is no small task. We take great pride in bringing back a level of formality that matches the significance of the achievement.”

At last count, Purdue University Fort Wayne estimates the graduating class for academic year 2020–21 will feature:

• Total graduates: 1,382
• Women: 750 (54.3%)
• Men: 632 (45.7%)
• First generation: 41.2% of total
• Indiana Counties: 42
• States: 23
• Countries: 31
• Youngest student: 20
• Oldest student: 85
• 4.0 GPA: 66

Approximately 775 graduates are expected to take part on Friday.

“From the start of their academic journey, many of our graduating students and their families had a specific expectation for how their commencement ceremony would unfold – highlights such as the pomp and circumstance of the academic procession, walking across the stage and appearing on video screens, formal photos in regalia, and other traditional elements,” added Elsenbaumer. “We are pleased to once again offer this part of the total experience.”

Friday also represents the final joint commencement exercises for the universities. The first took place in 1967.

For additional information, contact Geoff Thomas at 260-437-7657 (mobile) or [email protected]. 

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