Commencement 2025

Commencement Speaker

Saint Michael’s is honored to welcome Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J., founder of Homeboy Industries, as our 2025 Commencement Speaker.

A Jesuit priest, acclaimed author, and internationally respected advocate for social justice, Fr. Boyle has transformed countless lives through his steadfast commitment to kinship with those on the margins. His message of radical inclusion, dignity, and hope deeply resonates with our mission and will provide a powerful send-off to our graduates as they embark on their own journeys of service and purpose.

As the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world, Fr. Boyle has dedicated his life to accompanying those on the margins, offering hope, healing, and the opportunity for a new beginning. With a ministry rooted in radical kinship, he has worked tirelessly to dismantle cycles of violence and incarceration by fostering community, education, and economic opportunity. Through job training, therapeutic services, and unwavering love, Homeboy Industries has become a global model for restorative justice and human dignity.

Fr. Boyle’s visionary leadership challenges the world to embrace a more inclusive understanding of solidarity—one that recognizes the divine in every person, especially those too often cast aside. His books, including Tattoos on the Heart, Barking to the Choir, and The Whole Language, have inspired millions to reimagine justice as something built on tenderness, understanding, and the boundless reach of grace.

Honorary Degree Recipients

Saint Michael’s College is proud to recognize two exceptional honorary degree recipients during the 2025 Commencement — Rita Whalen McCaffrey and Phish.

Learn more about two honorary degree recipients:

Rita Whalen McCaffrey, Trinity College Class of 1959 and founder of Dismas of Vermont, whose life’s work has forged pathways of hope and healing for individuals transitioning from incarceration. Since opening the first Dismas House in 1986, Rita has nurtured a statewide network of welcoming homes grounded in mercy, restoration, and human dignity.

Rita has dedicated her life to uplifting those in need, particularly individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. In 1986, she co-founded Dismas of Vermont, an organization that provides transitional housing and community support to formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Through her leadership, Dismas House has fostered a spirit of reconciliation and second chances, offering hope where it is needed most. Under her vision and care, what began as one home has grown into a network of five Dismas Houses across Vermont—in Burlington, Winooski, Rutland, and Hartford — each one a beacon of welcome, compassion, and second chances.

Her unwavering advocacy for restorative justice, her belief in the inherent worth of every person, and her dedication to building stronger, more compassionate communities embody the very best of the Saint Michael’s mission. Rita’s work has transformed individual lives and strengthened the fabric of Vermont’s communities, setting an inspiring example of what it means to live a life of faith in action.

Phish, the iconic Vermont-based rock band, whose musical innovation, cultural influence, and far-reaching philanthropy have inspired and united communities. Band members Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, and Page McConnell have long used their platform to advance causes such as food security, disaster relief, and environmental sustainability — demonstrating how joy, creativity, and generosity can be powerful agents of change.

For more than four decades, Phish has redefined live performance through their masterful improvisation and genre-blending compositions. Perhaps lesser known, but no less important, is the dedicated global community they’ve cultivated, grounded in creativity, generosity, and shared experience. With a spirit of collaboration and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, and Page McConnell have individually and collectively shaped a cultural phenomenon that extends far beyond the stage.

Through the WaterWheel Foundation, Phish has harnessed the power of their music to support environmental sustainability, social services, and community-based non-profits, raising millions for causes ranging from disaster relief to arts education. Their Concert for Vermont Flood Recovery in 2011 raised over $1.2 million for those impacted by Tropical Storm Irene, exemplifying their deep-rooted commitment to giving back.

• Trey Anastasio, as a composer, bandleader, and advocate for music education, has not only pioneered new frontiers in live performance but also founded Divided Sky Foundation, dedicated to supporting addiction recovery services.
• Jon Fishman, an inventive and dynamic drummer, has infused Phish’s music with unparalleled rhythmic energy while championing local activism and environmental sustainability.
• Mike Gordon, a visionary bassist and multi-instrumentalist, has pushed musical boundaries while fostering artistic exploration and creative risk-taking.
• Page McConnell, a classically trained pianist with jazz-inflected virtuosity, has been a cornerstone of Phish’s improvisational brilliance, elevating the band’s signature sound.

Please note: Phish is being recognized for their artistic and philanthropic contributions with an honorary degree, and will not be performing at the Commencement ceremony.

Information for Graduates

Students must submit a Graduation Application through KnightVision Self-Service in order to receive information about commencement, and to be eligible for tickets.  Please direct any follow-up questions to the Registrar’s Office.

Tickets for Commencement 

Qualified Seniors and graduate students will receive tickets when picking up their caps and gowns. Each eligible student will receive seven (7) tickets for entry into the Ross Sports Center.

Selling tickets is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.  Students who do this will not be allowed to participate in the commencement ceremony and their tickets will be invalidated.  All students should be aware that if they purchase a ticket in this manner, it may not be valid for entry.

The ceremony will be livestreamed. The link will be on the Commencement website the morning of the ceremony. Non-ticketed guests can view the livestream in McCarthy Arts Center.

Pets are not allowed at the ceremony, except for ADA-certified service animals.

Senior Salute Day: Thursday, April 24, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Alliot Lobby

Pick up Caps and Gowns

Alliot Student Center Lobby

• Seniors can start picking up their caps, gowns, tassels, tickets
• at the Senior Salute Day in the Alliot Student Center Lobby. There is no cost to the Seniors.
• Gold Honors tassels for students receiving Latin honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude & cum laude) will be available for pickup.
• Seniors can purchase a class ring from either the Jostens or Balfour websites.
• Senior Week tickets and info will be available
• Light refreshments will be available

After this date, cap and gown, honors tassels, and tickets can be picked up at the Campus Store.

Saturday, May 10, 2025 

Baccalaureate Mass- 4:00 p.m.

Graduates and their families are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday, May 10th, at 4 p.m. in the Chapel.  Graduates do not march in procession for the Mass and no academic robes are worn for the occasion. Please plan to sit with your families and friends for this important part of the Commencement activities.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

COMMENCEMENT MORNING

Regalia & Tickets

Regalia (caps and gowns) and tickets are available at the Campus Store. If possible, please pick up your regalia and tickets in advance of the ceremony. The Bookstore will be open on the morning of Commencement, and staff will do their best to assist with any last minute regalia issues. On the morning of Commencement, tassels should be on the right side of your cap, and should only be moved to the left when President Plumb officially confers your degree.

Class Photographs

There will be two class photos: one for grad students, and one for undergrads. Grad students will assemble in front of the fireplace in Alliot and undergrads will gather on the steps of the Durick Library by 8:55 AM. Please note: if you are not on time for the photo, you will not be in the photo. The photos will be taken at 9:00 AM sharp – please plan accordingly.

Name Card Pickup

Your name card is an important part of how this year’s Commencement ceremony will work. Name cards will be available for pickup outside between Alliot and Joyce from 8:30 AM and 9:40 AM. (You are welcome to pick up your name card before or after the class photos.) IMPORTANT – Please hold onto your name card until you give it to Registrar’s Office personnel before crossing the stage during the ceremony.

Lineup for Procession

You will be lining up outside between Alliot and Joyce. You will form two distinct lines for the procession: one for students receiving a Master’s degree, and one for students receiving a Bachelor’s degree. You will receive further instructions from VP Dawn Ellinwood and Assistant Dean Kerri Leach during lineup.

Ceremony

10:00 AM – Ross Sports Center

Moving Out of Residence Halls 

In order to help our Residence Hall and Physical Plant staff prepare for summer occupancy, all rooms should be cleared of student belongings by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 11.
Please follow the instructions provided by your RA or RD for returning your room and house keys. Mail keys should be returned to the mailroom.

Information for Family, Friends and Guests

Commencement Hotline 

The College offers a Commencement Hotline (phone and e-mail) that will be accessible from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help with whatever questions or information graduating students and their parents may have. Please read our FAQ section before calling the hotline.
Hotline questions can be emailed to commencement@smcvt.edu or you can call 802.654.2216.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Baccalaureate Mass- 4:00 p.m.

Graduates and their families are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday, May 10th, at 4 p.m. in the Chapel.  Graduates do not march in procession for the Mass and no academic robes are worn for the occasion. Please plan to sit with your families and friends for this important part of the Commencement activities.

Location

The ceremony will be held in the Ross Sports Center.

Pets

Pets are not allowed at the ceremony with the exception of ADA certified service animals.

Tickets for Commencement 

Qualified Seniors and graduate students will receive tickets when picking up their caps and gowns on Senior Salute Day, Thursday, April 24, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Alliot Lobby  No additional tickets are available.

Additional Tickets 

Additional tickets are not available. We regret that we cannot provide additional tickets, so ask that you please do not call to ask for an exception.

Accommodations 

We suspect that most of you have already booked accommodations for Saturday night.  However, please remember also to make local restaurant reservations ahead of time for Saturday and/or Sunday.  Our Hotel and Accommodations page  provides information on locations offering discounts for Saint Michael’s visitors.  You can find additional information on the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce web site or call 802.863.3489, toll-free at 877.686.5253.

Parking 

Public Safety will be directing parking on the day of Commencement.  You may drop passengers off at the designated area and then park your vehicle.  Disabled parking is available for vehicles displaying disability registration plates or removable windshield placards. Please follow the directions of the public safety officers.

Seating: Ticketed 

Ticket holders should plan to be seated by 9:30 AM.  Please note that tickets are required for children. Seating area opens at 8:30 a.m.  Tickets are not required for the Baccalaureate Mass.

Seating: Special Needs 

Our Public Safety and Special Events staff are pleased to direct our ticketed guests with special needs to designated areas. Reservations are not needed. We ask that you plan for one additional family member to sit in that section as well.  Our staff will assist you as necessary.  Please plan to arrive early. Seating area opens at 8:30 a.m. There will be ASL interpreters at the ceremony. Please call ahead for seating close to the interpreters.  Please note that reserved balcony seating is not wheelchair accessible.

Non-Ticketed guests 

The ceremony will be livestreamed.  The link will be on the Commencement website the morning of the ceremony. Non-ticketed guests may view the livestream in the McCarthy Arts Center.

Reception 

Immediately following Commencement, the Commencement Reception will be held on Library Lawn.  Light refreshments will be served.  In case of rain, the reception will be held in the Tarrant Recreation Center.

Items for Purchase 

During Commencement Weekend, the Campus Store will be open on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Personalized announcements/invitations orders can be placed online on the Balfour website along with other Commencement items

Flower arrangements will be available for purchase on Commencement Day.

Class Ring – Contact either Jostens or Balfour

Senior photos are available online after the ceremony at GradImages. 

Prohibited Items

For safety and because of limited space in the seating areas, the following items are prohibited to bring to commencement for students and guests.

Fire Arms
Backpacks
Large purses
Bottles
Brief cases
Tripods for cameras
Coolers
Umbrellas
Pets
Alcohol
Luggage
Pepper Spray
Knives
Drones
Large Wrapped gifts
Aerosol Spray cans

Registrar's Information

Degree Requirements 

To earn the Degree of Bachelor of Arts or the Degree of Bachelor of Science a student must:

• Complete a minimum of 128 credits, with a minimum of 32 different courses.
• Complete the degree requirements of one of the established majors.
• Complete the core curriculum requirements.
• Achieve a minimum cumulative quality point average of 2.0 and a minimum of a 2.0 average in courses taken in the major.
• Complete a minimum of 24 of the last 32 credits at Saint Michael’s.
• Transfer students must earn a minimum of 32 credits at Saint Michael’s.
• Fill out a graduation application at the beginning of the academic year in which the degree is expected.

It is the responsibility of the student – in consultation with the advisor – to enroll in the appropriate courses in order to meet degree requirements.

Participation in Commencement

Graduating Students
Students who have completed all of their degree requirements by the end of a given spring semester are fully eligible to participate in May Commencement Exercises. Graduates will have their names called, process across the stage to receive their diplomas, and have their names printed in the Commencement program.

Processing Students
Undergraduate students who are within eight credits of meeting their degree requirements are eligible to “walk” at the May Commencement Exercises. “Walkers” have their names called, process across the stage to receive a blank diploma cover, and are listed in the Commencement program.

Robing Students
Undergraduate students who are not eligible to graduate or “walk” (as outlined above) – yet feel an affiliation with the graduating class – may “robe” for the Commencement ceremony. “Robers” process with their class at the beginning and end of the ceremony. They do not have their names called, and they are not listed in the Commencement program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Phish be performing at Commencement?
No, Phish will not be performing. The band members are being honored with an honorary degree in recognition of their musical innovation, cultural impact, and longstanding commitment to philanthropic causes, and the recognition is a symbolic and celebratory acknowledgment of their contributions.

How do I receive tickets for the Commencement ceremony? 
Qualified Seniors will receive tickets when picking up their caps and gowns on Senior Salute Day, Thursday, April 24, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Alliot Lobby. No additional tickets are available.

Are extra tickets available?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide extra tickets. Please do not contact the College for an exception.

Where can I see the ceremony without a ticket? 
The ceremony will be livestreamed. The link will be on the Commencement website the morning of the ceremony.   Non-ticketed guests can view the livestream in McCarthy Arts Center.

Pets
Pets are not allowed at the ceremony, except for ADA-certified service animals.

I have a question not answered here. Where can I get help? 
Contact the Commencement Hotline by emailing Commencement@smcvt.edu or call 802-654-2216. On Sunday morning the Commencement Helpdesk is located in the Tarrant Lobby beginning at 8:30 a.m.

What is Baccalaureate Mass? 
Baccalaureate Mass is a Roman Catholic Mass in the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel the day before the Commencement ceremony. We welcome all Seniors and their families to celebrate our Roman Catholic liturgy with us as a time to pray together as a community. Graduates do not need to wear robes and are welcome to sit wherever they would like in the Chapel with their family and friends. More information on the details of worship in the Mass can be found on the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Tickets are not needed for the Baccalaureate Mass.

Are personalized announcements available? 
Personalized announcements/invitations can be ordered online at Balfour  along with other Commencement items.

What time should I arrive for the Commencement ceremony? 
Seating area opens at 8:30 a.m.  Guests are asked to be in their seats by 9:30 a.m.

Is there reserved seating? 
The ceremony is general admission. Sections are reserved for graduates, faculty, dignitaries and the media, in addition to a section for guests with mobility or other accessibility issues.

How do I make arrangements for accessible seating? 
Our Public Safety and Special Events staff are pleased to direct our guests with special needs to designated areas. We ask that you plan for one additional family member to sit in that section as well.  Our staff will assist you by moving chairs as necessary.  Please plan to arrive early. Seating area opens at 8:30 a.m. There will be ASL interpreters at the ceremony. Please call ahead for seating close to the interpreters. Please note that the reserved balcony seating is not wheelchair accessible.

Where should guests park? 
Please follow the directions of our public safety officers.  You may drop off your passengers at the designated spot, then go park your vehicle.

Where will disabled parking be located? 
Disabled parking is available for vehicles displaying disability registration plates or removable windshield placards.  Please follow the directions of the public safety officers.

How long does the ceremony last? 
For planning purposes, the graduation ceremony lasts approximately 2-2 ½ hours.

Will pictures and DVD’s be available?
Commencement DVDs will not be available this year.

Our Commencement photographer is Grad Images. Pictures of graduates will be available on their website at: Gradimages.  You will be receiving a mailing with more information and offers.

Information for Faculty

Regalia may be ordered at the Campus Store. The Campus Store can be reached at 802.654.2517.

On the day of Commencement (Sunday, May 11, 2025): 

Faculty robe in Cheray 101 at 9:15 a.m.
Procession begins at 9:50 a.m.
Faculty/Staff will be lined up by the Faculty Marshal.

Order of Procession:

• Saint Andrew’s Pipe Band of Vermont
• Grand Marshal
• Seniors
• Masters Candidates
• Faculty Marshal
• Faculty/Staff
• Honored Guests/ Marshal
• Trustees/Honored Guests/President’s Cabinet
• Dais Party
• VPAA
• President