#Eckerd26
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 8 a.m. ET
South Beach Field
Speaker: TBA
Livestream
Commencement is a time for family, friends and all members of the Eckerd community to recognize and honor the hard work and achievements of our graduating students. Commencement is the culmination of countless hours of study, completion of classes for the major, development of relationships with mentors and professors, and engagement in outside-of-the-classroom learning.
Please join us as we celebrate the graduation of the Eckerd College Class of 2026. Students will receive their degrees on Sunday, May 17, 2026, on their beloved campus at South Beach overlooking the sparkling bay. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m.
The venue
With the stunning bay as a backdrop, families gather beneath an impressive tent to celebrate this memorable occasion.
Schedule
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Baccalaureate Ceremony
McArthur Gymnasium
Time: TBD
During this interfaith service in celebration of the Class of 2026, President James Annarelli will offer the graduates his farewell address.
Vice President for Student Success Celebration
Hough Quad
Time TBD (fireworks display over Chapel Pond to follow)
Graduates and their guests are invited to this celebration consisting of a dessert reception, band and fireworks hosted by the Division of Student Success. Reservations not needed.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Coffee and Donuts for Families
Tim’s Pavilion on South Beach
7 a.m.
Robing for Graduates (only)
Hough Quad
7 a.m.
Graduates should arrive wearing cap, gown and hood.
Commencement
South Beach Field
8 a.m.
Streamed live on YouTube
Academic Regalia
Students: Academic regalia is ordered through the Herff Jones website from March 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026. If you have questions regarding academic regalia, please contact the bookstore. The caps, gowns and hoods worn at college and university functions date back to the Middle Ages.
For Students
Academic regalia for students includes a black baccalaureate gown, a mortar board with tassel and a hood.
The hood for the baccalaureate degree is of a size specified by the American Council on Education. It is lined with the chevron of Eckerd College, that is with white and teal satin, and it is trimmed with velvet in the color reflective of the degree conferred. The hood for the Bachelor of Arts degree is trimmed in white velvet; the hood for the Bachelor of Science degree is trimmed in gold velvet; and the hood for the Bachelor of Fine Arts is trimmed in brown velvet. Since the color of the velvet trimming of a hood is determined by the degree conferred, not by the students major, the Bachelor of Arts degree is trimmed in white irrespective of the student’s major field.
For Faculty & Administration
The gown for the doctorate has broad velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars on the large, bell-like sleeves; the gown is usually black, but when the degree is awarded by certain schools, the color of that institution is reflected in the gown. The gown for the master’s degree has short sleeves. Caps may be of the mortar board style or of velvet; a gold tassel indicates a doctorate degree. The hood gives color and distinction to the academic costume. The hood—a black shell-like affair of varying size for the three degrees and material to match the gown—is silk-lined, stressing the colors of the institution conferring the degree. The hood is then bordered with velvet in the color signifying the respective fields of learning.
The colors indicative of the various fields of learning are as follows:
- Anthropology – Dark Blue
- Arts – White
- Business Administration – Light Brown
- Communication – Crimson
- Counseling and Guidance – Light Blue
- Dramatic Arts – Brown
- Economics – Copper
- Education – Light Blue
- Engineering – Orange
- English – White
- Fine Arts – Brown
- Government – Peacock Blue
- History – White
- Humanities – White
- Literature – White
- Library Science – Lemon
- Mathematics – Gold
- Music – Pink
- Philosophy – Dark Blue
- Physical Education – Sage Green
- Political Science – Dark Blue
- Psychology – Gold
- Science – Gold
- Sociology – White
- Theology – Scarlet
It is important to note that the field of learning having prior mention in the conferment of the degree, and not the department governing the major work, determines the color that is proper for the velvet of the hood. The doctor of philosophy degree requires blue velvet irrespective of the major field. If more than one degree is held, the gown and hood of the highest degree are worn.
Previous ceremonies
Looking for previous Commencement materials?
Visit our Library Archives and our YouTube playlist for digital copies of programs, speeches and remarks from previous Eckerd College Commencement ceremonies.
Family Info
We are excited to continue the Eckerd College tradition of holding Commencement outdoors on campus under an open, white, rented tent. This will allow unlimited seating for families and friends. South Beach Field (aka Kappa Field) was chosen because it is one of the most beautiful areas of our campus, offering a spectacular vista of Boca Ciega Bay as a backdrop for the colorful rituals.
Please note that Eckerd staff will fly a drone Saturday evening in the vicinity of Fox Pond and again Sunday near South Beach Field to capture photo and video footage of the ceremony. All others are prohibited from flying drones on campus at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the graduation fee?
The graduation fee offsets costs related to graduation, including the processing of degree applications, verification of student records, printing and mailing of diplomas, diploma covers, and various graduation events and ceremonies, including the Commencement ceremony itself. All graduating students are invited to participate in Commencement, and the fee is charged whether or not a student chooses to participate in Commencement.
How many tickets will each graduate receive?
There is no limit to the number of guests permitted on South Field during commencement. If the ceremony is moved indoors to McArthur Gymnasium, graduates will be limited to two tickets.
What time can guests arrive?
For safety reasons, Eckerd College prefers families wait until sunrise to arrive, because the ceremony is held near the back of campus on South Beach Field. Guests will be permitted on campus beginning at sunrise.
Where should I park?
Parking will be available on campus. Accessible transportation via golf carts from the parking lots to South Beach will be available.
Where will the ceremony take place?
The Commencement ceremony will take place on South Beach Field (aka Kappa Field) overlooking Boca Ciega Bay.
What time will the ceremony begin?
The procession of students will begin at 8 a.m. All guests must be in their seats by this time to see the entire processional. During the procession and ceremony, guests are asked to turn off their cellphones and remain seated until after the recessional.
Will there be a professional photographer?
A professional photographer will capture each graduate’s conferral. Ordering information for conferral photographs will be available at the ceremony.
How will students receive their diplomas?
Diplomas will be mailed to the current address on file approximately 6 to 8 weeks after Commencement. Students should verify or update their address through EC Experience to ensure the diploma is mailed to the correct address.
What happens if there is inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, Commencement will be held in McArthur Gymnasium. The earlier in the week we can make the transition, the greater the likelihood that guests (2) will be permitted to attend the indoor ceremony. Regardless of weather, the ceremony will be livestreamed in several airconditioned spaces on campus.
Are there restroom facilities on South Beach Field?
Portable restrooms are available on the north and south sides of the tent.
Will refreshments be served?
Coffee and donuts, beginning at 7 a.m., will be served adjacent to the field. Complimentary water also will be available for guests throughout the ceremony.
How do I order graduation regalia?
Regalia may be ordered through the Herff Jones website. Orders must be placed by Monday, March 30, 2026. If you require assistance, please contact the Campus Bookstore at 727-864-8350.
Does Eckerd College allow stoles and cords?
Eckerd College clubs and organizations may issue or provide stoles or cords to their members. International students may also purchase their own stoles to represent their country of origin.
Is the ceremony livestreamed for guests who can’t attend in person?
Yes, the ceremony will be broadcast live on YouTube and subsequently archived on our Commencement playlist. We will also livestream the ceremony in several air-conditioned spaces on campus.
When must graduates vacate their residence halls?
All graduates must be moved out of their dorm room and vacate the residence hall by noon on Monday, May 18, 2026.
