Hey grads — look around you. You’re graduating! It’s the culmination of years of dedication, late nights fueled by caffeine and the unwavering support of friends, family and faculty. You’re here today not just with diplomas in hand, but with the knowledge, skills and Texas Wesleyan spirit to conquer any challenge that comes your way. 

We’re ready to celebrate your achievements this week with the Grad Toast, the Robing and Hooding Ceremony and of course, Commencement!  

Grad Toast — Thursday, May 9  

You tackled those textbooks, aced those exams, and now it's time to celebrate your epic achievement with the Grad Toast! 

Be there on Thursday, May 9 from 5:30-7 p.m., at Rodgers Roundhouse (1616 Rogers Road) for a graduation bash you won't forget!  This shindig is FREE for all graduates, and you'll even score a cool commemorative TXWES pint glass to remember the night by. 

Feeling like bringing your entourage? No problem! Family and friends can join the fun for just $15 each, which includes drinks and appetizers. 

This is your chance to celebrate with your fellow graduates, reminisce about your Texas Wesleyan journey and officially join the incredible Texas Wesleyan Alumni Association! We're here to support you every step of the way, from your first job to your future endeavors. 

 See you there, Class of 2024! 

Robing and Hooding — Friday, May 10 

Forget the toga parties (although, to each their own). At Texas Wesleyan University, the day before commencement gets real with the robing and hooding ceremonies.  

These traditions, dating back to 1927, weave a rich tapestry that connects generations of Texas Wesleyan graduates. As each class proudly dons their robes and hoods, they become part of a vibrant legacy – a legacy built on dedication, knowledge and the unwavering support of the Texas Wesleyan community. 

Before the ceremony, students select a faculty member to robe or hood them. Think of it like choosing your final boss fight character. Graduates get to select a faculty member who's been their academic Gandalf, Yoda or Hermione Granger throughout their journey. The act of robing or hooding the student symbolizes the mentorship and guidance that faculty members gave to them in their academic journey — a big part of our Smaller. Smarter. experience that allows students and professors to get to know each other beyond the classroom. 

But the robes and hoods aren't just there for show. They're steeped in symbolism: 

The gowns represent the equality of all graduates in their pursuit of knowledge. 

The hoods are colorful cloaks that represent the graduate's field of study. The lining usually reflects the university's colors, while the velvet trim signifies the degree level (bachelor's, master's, doctorate) and sometimes even the specific field (think white for arts, light blue for business). 

So, when a faculty member robes or hoods their student, it's a powerful visual representation of the knowledge gained, the challenges overcome and the journey shared. It's a passing of the torch moment, where the faculty member acknowledges the graduate's readiness to step into the world as a scholar in their field. 

This ceremony is more than just a fancy ritual. It's a tear-jerkingly awesome way for grads to show appreciation to the professors who helped them become the future CEOs, scientists, artists and all-around amazing humans they are today. 

So, if you're a Texas Wesleyan grad, get ready to feel the feels (and maybe a few fist pumps) at the Robing and Hooding Ceremony. It’s this Friday, May 10, in Nicholas Martin Hall, with an undergraduate ceremony at 11 a.m. and graduate ceremony at 3 p.m. It's the perfect pre-game hype session before you walk across that stage and conquer the world! 

Commencement — Saturday, May 11 

Get ready for a diploma dance party! Texas Wesleyan University throws down for its graduating class of 2024 with a springtime commencement ceremony 10 a.m., on Saturday, May 11, at the historic MacGorman Chapel. Tassels will be turning and futures will be sparkling. 

This semester, Texas Wesleyan University is waving goodbye (or should we say, "see ya later!") to a phenomenal graduating class of 240 future all-stars. Among them are three trailblazers earning doctoral degrees, 37 future leaders with master's degrees and a powerhouse group of 200 achieving their bachelor's degrees. 

These students are ready to become rock stars in their field. In fact, a recent Niche.com poll reveals that Texas Wesleyan students graduate feeling confident about their job prospects. This confidence likely stems from the University's robust career services program, available to students and alumni alike. The poll also highlights that 100% of respondents feel that Texas Wesleyan’s alumni network is strong. 

“One thing I love about Texas Wesleyan is how much of a family the community is,” said Savanna Smith, a marketing major and student-athlete graduating with her bachelor's in business administration. “I feel like I am more than just a student here. I have made a ton of personal connections with staff and faculty, and I know I can call them if I ever need anything.” 

Smith is headed to Sugarland, TX to work as an intern for the city in the Department of Communications and Community Engagement. 

“I feel prepared for the job from the experience I gained between being a student-worker in the marketing and communications department and by working with diverse groups of students in my classes. It helped me strengthen time management, leadership and communication skills,” she said. “I’m excited to graduate and start the internship!” 

This ceremony is a ticketed event. Doors open early, so check the official Texas Wesleyan graduation website for all the nitty-gritty details on timings and accessibility. 

Can’t make it in person? No worries, we got you covered. We’ll be livestreaming the event on YouTube.