A Cause for Celebration

Seattle University held its first in-person commencement for the first time in three years at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.

The Class of 2022, along with members of the classes of 2020 and 2021, got their chance to walk across the stage in traditional commencement ceremonies on June 12 at Climate Pledge Arena. Nearly 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students attended the in-person events, with thousands more in the seats cheering them on! Other celebrations leading up to commencement included the Baccalaureate Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, events for veterans, LGBTQIA+ students, ROTC, Alfie Scholars and more.

Photography by Yosef Chaim Kalinko

A group of grads in regalia, smiling, clapping and cheering excitedly inside Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena.
Two graduates pose in between two Office of Multicultural staff members with metallic streamers in the background

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) honored and celebrated all undergraduate, graduate and law students of color during its Graduating Students of Color Celebration.

A six-color Pride flag and a Transgender Pride flag within in a table centerpiece vase.

OMA also held a Lavender Celebration to acknowledge the achievements of our LGBTQ+ students. The concept of the ceremony was created at U of Michigan in 1995 by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, who was denied the opportunity to attend her children's graduations due to her sexual orientation.

Photo by Nodoka Kondo

Attendees standing in church pews while graduates wearing caps and gowns walk away from the altar

View from Immaculate Conception Church during the Baccalaureate Mass celebrating the graduates of 2022.

Seattle U grads walk in procession into the arena as audience members fill the seats.
President Peñalver hugs a fellow commencement participant.
Zoomed out view of the arena as attendees listen to commencement speaker Fr. Reese

A look inside Climate Pledge Arena, which for the first time hosted Seattle U's commencement.

Excited family and friends in the audience cheer their grads on with flags and homemade signs
U.S. Representative Sharice Davids standing on stage behind a podium dressed in graduation regalia.

Undergraduate ceremony speaker Sharice Davids, U.S. Representative from Kansas, received an honorary Seattle University doctorate degree during the event.

Grads pose for pictures in festive regalia outside the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
SU graduate with flower leis and crown smiles and gives two shaka signs in front of the Seattle Space Needle.

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