Commencement 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 9.
Updates will be posted here as they become available.
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Rosemont Theatre
Rosemont, IL
Graduates must check in at 9 a.m. The ceremony begins at 10:15 a.m. and ends at approximately 1:00 p.m. Graduates should leave their personal items with guests.
Each graduate will be given six (6) guest tickets. Paper tickets will be distributed at Cap and Gown Pick-Up on April 14. If additional tickets become available, a notice will be emailed to graduates. Tickets are mandatory. Unfortunately, lost or stolen tickets cannot be replaced.
As always, the ceremony will be available via livestream for friends and family who are unable to attend.
Accessible Parking
Designated accessible parking for vehicles bearing valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disability parking placards or license plates is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accessible Seating
Dedicated wheelchair and scooter accessible locations will be available.
Wheelchairs
Lake Forest College does not provide wheelchairs.
All graduates receive a black cap and gown (that they get to keep) at Cap and Gown Pick-Up on April 14 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Mohr Student Center (lower level). The ensemble includes a traditional tassel that should be worn on their cap at Commencement. Special cords, stoles, serapes and pins for College-recognized national academic honor societies or registered student organizations are permitted to be worn during the Commencement ceremony. These items are not distributed at Cap and Gown Pick-Up. Please check with the organization. These are the only items that can be worn with your cap and gown during the ceremony.
The cost of the cap and gown is included in senior dues and size information was provided on the Intent to Graduate form.
Diplomas will be shipped directly from our vendor, Jostens, to the address supplied in the Senior Exit Survey within a month of the Commencement ceremony.
Contact Us
Fran Pease
Executive Director of Operations and Commencement Director
847-735-5021
pease@lakeforest.edu
Class Rings and Invitations
Jostens
800-854-7464
jostens.com
Graduate Accommodations
accessibilityservices@lakeforest.edu