Welcome to the most exciting week of the year, Franklin University Switzerland's Graduation Week 2024! This is a momentous celebration that marks the culmination of our students' hard work, dedication, and academic journey. As we approach this milestone, we invite our graduates, their families, and the university community to partake in a series of events designed to honor the achievements of the Class of 2024.
Our program of events is packed with activities that will make this week unforgettable. From Senior Presentations to the traditional Lake Lugano boat cruise, city walks, and receptions, each event will celebrate the intellectual curiosity, innovation, and perseverance of our students.
The Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 18 at 3:30 pm and will be held at the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura. This will be the occasion to honor our graduates' journey and welcome them into their next chapter.
COMMENCEMENT WEEK PROGRAM | MAY 14 - 17
Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15
Schedule varies | Senior Presentations
Senior Presentations are the opportunity for seniors to showcase their intellectual curiosity, innovation, and dedication as they share their research findings, insights, passions, and creativity with the community. Join us for an opportunity to engage with student research and to applaud the hard work and perseverance of our seniors.
Wednesday, May 15
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Graduating Student Toast
Join us in extending warm congratulations to our graduating students! The Office of Student Life and the Student Government Association are proud to sponsor this toast, reflecting our commitment to creating a sense of belonging through respect and compassion.
Location: President’s Lawn (Rain Site: Holman Hall)
More details will be shared by email with students closer to the event.
Thursday, May 16
10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Awards Ceremony and Graduating Student Celebration
A celebration of our student academic achievements will be held in the Nielsen Auditorium. Join us for a morning of appreciation and applause as we look back on the year of academic accomplishments. More details will be shared by email closer to the event.
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Alumni Council sponsored Graduates Boat Cruise
The Alumni Council celebrates the graduating class of 2024 and welcomes them to the Alumni Association. All graduating students are welcome but advance registration is required. Tickets available in limited quantity.
Friday, May 17
9:30 am - 10:30 pm | Coffee and Continental Breakfast for Graduating Students and Family Members
Join us for an opportunity to connect with graduating students, their family members, and faculty/staff as we reflect on the past years and create new memories together.
Location: President’s Lawn (Rain Site: Holman Hall)
10:30 am - 12:30 pm | Commencement Rehearsal for Graduates – Attendance Mandatory
Commencement Rehearsal in the FUS auditorium. In addition to the actual rehearsal, you will collect your graduation cap and gown, and have a class photo taken! All graduating Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students are required to attend!
10:30 am - 12:30 pm | Photographic Tour and Masterclass for Family Members
This photographic tour of the area around the Franklin campus will provide a unique connection between the Franklin family and our location. For participants, it will serve as a means to place and identify the locations that characterize the landscape near campus, which are sure to be filled with memories from their student’s time studying at Franklin. This masterclass will be led by Igor Ponti, a local photographer who has been working in the area for many years to document the relationship between the place and the people, particularly the expression of identity in the reflection of place management. Ponti recently published a two-year project reflecting on the territorial identity of the Lake Muzzano area near campus. Advance registration is required – registration information will be sent by email. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather for this outdoor opportunity.
Location: Meet at the President’s Lawn for the start of the walking tour.
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Graduating Student and Family Reception
A reception (Aperitif) for graduating Franklin students and their family members will be held in the evening of Friday, May 17, 2024 on the beautiful Monte San Salvatore. Advance registration is required to attend. More details will be shared by email closer to the event.
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM | MAY 18
10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Free Guided City Walk in Lugano
Participants are invited to experience Lugano through the eyes of residents as they are escorted through the historic streets. Limited space available and advance registration is required. Register on the Lugano Region website. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather for this outdoor opportunity. More information is available at the Lugano tourist office located in the Lugano Railway station.
Location: Meet at the Lugano Railway Station for the start of the walking tour.
1:30 pm | Commencement Ceremony Arrival time for Graduates
Arrival time for students, faculty, and trustees participating in the commencement ceremony.
Location: LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, Piazza Bernardino Luini 6, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
3:30 pm | Commencement Ceremony
Celebrate the Class of 2024 at our Commencement Ceremony at the LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura), followed by a reception. This memorable event will be a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. Graduates, along with their families and friends, will gather to honor this significant milestone in their lives. Join us for this time of reflection, joy, and excitement as we send off the Class of 2024 into the next chapter of their lives.
Guests are invited to enter Sala Teatro between 2:45 pm and 3:15 pm.
Doors close promptly at 3:15 pm. The ceremony will start at 3:30 pm.
