2012 Commencement

This page contains information about Candler School of Theology's commencement events. You can also download a guide to Candler's commencement, which includes parking and seating information, at tinyurl.com/quick-candler.

For information regarding Emory's Schedule of Events, Inclement Weather Plans, and other information regarding commencement activities please see the Emory University Commencement page.

Commencement Schedule

Saturday, May 12

5:00 p.m-
6:00 p.m.

Candler Singers Concert

Cannon Chapel
Come enjoy the Candler Singers in concert as they kick off Commencement Weekend!  The Candler Singers, Candler’s premier musical ensemble comprised of students preparing for a variety of ministries in the church, academy, and world, present a concert of church music from around the globe, featuring classical, contemporary, folk, and spiritual genres.  The Singers are directed by the Rev. Barbara Day Miller, Associate Dean of Worship and Music at Candler.  The concert is free and open to the public.  Parking: Peavine or Fishburne parking decks.
Contact: Lauren McCrary, 404.727.6352

6:30 p.m–
7:30 p.m.

Class of 1962 Reunion Dinner

Room 102, Candler School of Theology, 1531 Dickey Drive
The Candler class of 1962 is invited to a 50th reunion dinner immediately following the Candler Singers Concert. The cost is $25.00 per person or $50.00 per couple. Please RSVP to candleralum@emory.edu.
Contact: Lauren McCrary, 404.727.6352

Sunday, May 13

4:00 p.m-
6:00 p.m.

Service of Sending Forth, Candler School of Theology

Cannon Chapel
For graduating theology students, their families, and guests. Reception following in Brooks Commons.

Contact: Dean Barbara Day Miller, 404.727.6153 

Monday, May 14

8:00 a.m.-
9:15 a.m.

The 167th Commencement Exercises of Emory University

The Quadrangle
Students line up at 7:15 a.m.  

The grand academic procession begins at 8:00 a.m. featuring a pipe & drum band, the faculty of the University, Board of Trustees, the deans and vice presidents, and award recipients. Degree candidates, marching behind banners and led by faculty marshals, enter the Quadrangle from all four corners.  Members of corpus cordis aureum (alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago) also march in the procession. President James W. Wagner, Emory's nineteenth president, presides over the exercises.  The ceremony includes the Commencement speaker, conferral of Honorary Degrees and awards, and the conferral of degrees en masse. Degree candidates rise and are presented as a school by their academic dean and are represented on-stage by student marshals. At the conclusion of the ceremony the degree candidates are marched to school-hosted diploma ceremonies and receptions at the locations and times listed below. The new Emory College of Arts & Sciences graduates remain on the Quadrangle for their diploma ceremony which begins shortly thereafter.

View the Planning your Visit section of this website for important parking/shuttle information, maps, and other information. This ceremony (and the Emory College of Arts & Sciences diploma ceremony) are webcast live, available for viewing on Emory Vision TV (on-campus cable, channel 53), simulcast in rooms 206, 207, and 208 of White Hall, and also features live text captioning for the hearing impaired (internet-capable mobile device required to view live captioning).

ContactOffice of University Events 

For disability access and seating please fill out the Emory University Special Needs Request Form.

9:45 a.m.-
11:00 a.m.

Candler School of Theology Diploma Ceremony

Glenn Memorial Auditorium
Dean Jan Love will preside.

Immediately following the University Commencement ceremony, Candler graduates and faculty will process from the quadrangle directly to the lawn on the North Decatur Road side of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church to prepare for the Candler Diploma Ceremony processional.  Guests should proceed directly to Glenn sanctuary for seating.

Contact:  Candler Registrar's Office, 404.727.6480 or candlerregistrar@emory.edu

11:00 a.m-
1:00 p.m.

Candler School of Theology Commencement Lunch

Rudolph Courtyard and Brooks Commons of Cannon Chapel
(Inclement Weather Plan – Room 102, Candler School of Theology)

Following Emory University's opening Commencement exercises, Candler graduates, their families, and friends, along with Candler faculty and staff are invited to lunch in Rudolph Courtyard, outside of Cannon Chapel.

Please help us get an accurate catering guest count. Registration is not required, but is greatly appreciated. If you plan on attending this lunch, please let us know the number of people in your party when registering online. The reservation form also provides an opportunity for registrants to inform Candler’s Commencement Planning Committee of any dietary restrictions and/or accessibility needs in the registrant's party.

Contact: Alice Tarkington, 404.727.9142

In the event of severe weather, Candler's graduation ceremony will begin at 9:00 am in Glenn Memorial Chapel.

For update information about Emory's commencement activities follow Emory Commencement on Facebook and @EmoryGraduation on Twitter.