Graduation Celebration provided the Class of 2021 the opportunity to gather with family and friends on DePaul's campuses and to exult in its accomplishments. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
Over 10 days in May, the Class of 2021 had the unique opportunity to celebrate its upcoming graduation on DePaul's campuses with family and friends at Graduation Celebration.
Lincoln Park Campus
More than 2,200 graduates and their guests visited the Lincoln Park Campus from May 19 through 28 and were greeted with grounds decked out in graduation decor – day and night.
Graduation-related banners were hung across the quad, student center and buildings. Quad Activation tents gave students the chance to purchase memorabilia from the bookstore, write thank-you postcards and record messages that could be featured in June 12's online ceremonies.
In addition to the tents, students could pose next to a variety of sets, including a life-size 2021 statue, that were perfect graduation backdrops for social media. Then, at dusk each evening, the quad was decoratively illuminated for night photos and walking.
Graduation Celebration's most popular item was the Graduation Experience Canopy. Each graduate could walk across a graduation stage in front of their two guests for professional photos. Grads were then whisked into the 360-degree video booth, capturing their reaction as confetti fell on them.
Loop Campus
For graduates who spent a majority of their time at DePaul on the Loop Campus, banners and window clings were added to celebrate their big milestone. Also, a life-size 2021 statue was installed in front of the Loop's student center for photos.
June 12 online ceremonies
To continue to celebrate the Class of 2021's many accomplishments, visit the
commencement website on June 12 for the launch of the online ceremonies. Each will feature
speeches from DePaul leaders, students and alumni inductor and WGN co-anchor Lourdes Duarte, and personalized slides of each graduate.