USMMA Announces 2023 Graduation Weekend Dates and Activities
KINGS POINT, N.Y. (April 7, 2023) – Today, The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) released the timeline of events for the Academy's 87th Commencement and the Class of 2023 Graduation Weekend.
The timeline is subject to change; the Academy encourages families and friends to review this page regularly as any changes, should they be necessary, will be posted here.
Any guest who is unable to attend in-person, is invited to participate via livestream; details will be released at a later date.
UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
GRADUATION WEEKEND 2023
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2023
1700 Class of 2023 Reports back to the Academy
1800 Brief for Class of 2023 – Ackerman Auditorium
1900 Athletic Awards Ceremony – Mariner Estate
THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023
0730 2023 Class Photo – Tomb Field
0800 Graduation Rehearsal—Tomb Field (Class of 2023 muster on Steamboat Road)
1030 Awards Convocation Rehearsal - Ackerman Auditorium
1130 Change of Command Ceremony- Powell Oval-Wiley Hall
1200 Barbecue for Midshipmen, Parents & Guests at Barney Square (Rain location: Delano Hall)
Midshipmen free; Parents and Guests, Faculty & Staff – $20 per person – Advance ticket sales1
1900-2300 Senior Cruise – Sponsored by the Class of 2023 (See your midshipman for details)
Dress for Thursday is casual: e.g., slacks and sport shirts for men; dresses, skirts or slacks for women.
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023
0800 Colors Formation – Powell Oval
1000 Awards Convocation - Ackerman Auditorium
1430-1530 Baccalaureate Service - Speaker: Rear Adm. Terry Eddinger, USN
1900-2300 Graduation Ball - Eldridge Pool Area
Advance tickets required (Midshipmen free/all others $25 per person) 2
Dress for Friday daytime is casual. Dress for Parents and dates attending the Ball is formal (Dinner Dress White Jacket or equivalent for military personnel, black tie, tuxedoes, dinner jackets, or dark suits for men; cocktail dresses or gowns for women).
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023
0800 Colors Formation – Powell Oval
0900 Commencement Exercises – Tomb Field*
OPTIONAL LUNCHEON - $15 /per person. Sponsored by USMMA Alumni Association & Foundation.
CONTACT Lisa Donitz: ldonitz@usmmaalumni.com
TO PURCHASE TICKETS, GO TO: www.usmmaalumni.com – graduation
* NOTE: The Graduation Ceremony will be held on Tomb Field, rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, please wear appropriate weatherproof clothing. We discourage the use of umbrellas while seated in the stands, to avoid obstructing the view of other guests. Also, note that the ceremony will be simulcast in Ackerman Auditorium, rain or shine, for guests wishing to watch the Ceremony indoors.
1Meal tickets for Thursday Lunch BBQ must be purchased in advance from the Delano commissary.
Tickets must be purchased by June 8th. Payment by cash or check.
Checks should be made out to “Blackstone Consulting”
2 Tickets for the Graduation Ball can be purchased via the Office of Student Activities. For further information, contact Mr. Tom O’Boyle via email at oboylet@usmma.edu