Commencement
Save-the-Date for 2025 Commencement!
May 19, 2025 | 5 p.m.
Northrop Auditorium
Commencement speakers
Mary Kosuth has been selected to be this year’s student speaker by a committee of SPH students. Mary is a PhD candidate in Environmental Health whose research focuses on microplastics. She recently represented the University at the regional Three-Minute Thesis competition and was featured on MPR’s Angela Davis show to discuss the impact of microplastics.
Dr. Michael Osterholm, Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, and the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) will share insights drawn from his extensive experience in infectious disease epidemiology and public health preparedness.
Susan Leppke, MPH ‘07, will serve as mace bearer and alumni society board speaker to welcome students to the alumni network. She is currently the senior director of Public Policy & Strategic Partnerships for the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between graduation and commencement?
Graduation is the completion of all degree requirements as recorded on your official transcript from the University. Commencement is the event that celebrates this accomplishment. Commencement is not required for graduation and participating in the event does not imply that you have officially graduated.
Learn more about graduation requirements.
How do I order my cap and gown?
Commencement regalia for students can be purchased through the University of Minnesota Bookstores either in-person or online.
- Purchase your Bachelor’s Cap and Gown
- BA students order a salmon (pink) tassel.
- Purchase your Master’s Cap and Gown
- MPH students order a salmon (pink) hood and a salmon (pink) tassel
- MHA students order a salmon (pink) hood and a black tassel
- MS Students order a yellow hood and a black tassel
- Purchase your Doctorate Cap and Gown
- PhD students order a dark blue hood and a black tassel
- Stoles are optional additions to graduation regalia used to symbolize achievement, school pride, membership, greek affiliations, clubs, military service, and more.
Cords:
- Cords are optional additions to graduation regalia typically awarded to members of honor societies or for various academic and non-academic achievements.
Do I need to purchase tickets for my family to attend commencement?
No. This event is free and open to the public. Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If my family cannot attend commencement, can they watch it online afterwards?
Yes, the event will be livestreamed online and recorded.
The recording will be posted to the SPH Commencement webpage shortly after the event takes place.
Will there be additional receptions for graduates in my academic program?
SPH programs have the options for hosting their own receptions. Information will be made available as those plans are confirmed.
Are there any guidelines guests should follow to help ensure an enjoyable ceremony for everyone?
Yes. Our commencement venue Northrop does not allow items such as confetti, signs, or banners that obstruct views, or noise-making devices such as air horns. We understand and share in your excitement, and encourage you to celebrate your graduate in a way that does not disrupt the ceremony.
