From the first Washington University in St. Louis Commencement held in 1862, the ceremony has given graduates, family, friends, faculty and staff the opportunity to gather in celebration.
May Commencement
The 164 Commencement ceremony was held Monday, May 12, 2025, at Francis Olympic Field.
Photos & videos
View photos from Brookings Quadrangle and stairs
View WashU Commencement photos
Class Celebration – Ballpark Village photos
Keynote speaker & grand marshal & honorary grand marshal
| Keynote Speaker Simone Biles, Olympic Gymnast, Doctor of Humane Letters | |
| Grand Marshal Dwight A. McBride Gerald Early Distinguished Professor of African & African American Studies | |
| Honorary Grand Marshal Stuart I. Greenbaum | |
Honorary degrees
| Jenifer Lewis Doctor of Fine Arts | |
| Rodger & Paula Riney Doctor of Humanities | |
| Rochelle Walensky Doctor of Science | |
| Jess B. Yawitz Doctor of Business |
December Recognition
The December recognition ceremony was held December 14, 2024, at the Athletic Complex.
Photos & videos
Find your 2024 ceremony photos
View WashU recognition ceremony photos
Keynote speaker & grand marshal
| Keynote speaker Cash Nickerson Chairman and CEO, Nickerson Stoneleigh, Inc. | |
| Grand marshal John Drobak George Alexander Madill Professor of Real Property & Equity Jurisprudence |