Redevelopment of Norris University Center’s East Lawn to begin this summer
April 5, 2024
Northwestern will hold its 166th Commencement ceremony Sunday, June 9, 2024, at the United Center in Chicago, the University has announced.
All school convocations — the ceremonies during which graduates hear their names as they cross the stage — will take place on the Evanston campus. Commencement and convocations are part of Graduation Weekend, which takes place June 7-10, 2024.
The United Center, located at 1901 West Madison Street on Chicago’s near West Side, is home to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. It will serve as the backdrop when Northwestern celebrates the Class of 2024 with words of inspiration from President Michael Schill, student speakers and a Commencement speaker, who will be announced at a later date.
It’s exciting to think that when they watch a game or a concert at such a famous arena in the future, they’ll be able to say, ‘That’s where I graduated!’”
Executive director for graduation and senior year experience
Given the pending decisions surrounding the rebuilding of Ryan Field, the University’s traditional Commencement venue, Northwestern secured the United Center for the 2024 ceremony to provide certainty to graduates and their families, and to enable the University to move forward with planning, while respecting the ongoing City of Evanston approval process.
“We’re thrilled to call the United Center home for Commencement 2024,” said Matt Lengen, Northwestern’s executive director for graduation and senior year experiences. “The United Center is one of Chicago’s most iconic venues, and it will be a memorable setting to recognize the accomplishments of our graduating students. It’s exciting to think that when they watch a game or a concert at such a famous arena in the future, they’ll be able to say, ‘That’s where I graduated!’”
United Center parking will be available for free during the ceremony, and Northwestern will provide shuttle service for graduates and their families between the Evanston campus and the venue. Graduates will receive more information about the ticketing process and regalia, along with more transportation details.
The Graduation Weekend website is the primary source of information for schedules, family and guest content, accessibility information and frequently asked questions. Details of other celebratory events taking place across campus will be communicated and added to the website in the coming months.
Additionally, the Graduation Office has convened a group of students to provide insights on celebratory programming efforts for the Class of 2024. Students interested in joining the Senior Advisory Board or suggesting ways to celebrate the graduating class should contact graduation@northwestern.edu for more information.
