The end of this academic year marks an exciting time for our member institutions, as they celebrate a return to in-person commencement ceremonies after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COP is thrilled to see the return of this time-honored tradition, and we celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and creativity of the Class of 2022.
The Value of a College Degree
A college degree continues to be extremely valuable. According to the Federal Reserve’s latest Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households report, Americans with a bachelor’s degree or higher were much likelier to describe themselves as doing “at least okay” when asked to rate their financial situation. Additional findings indicated that two-thirds of those without a degree wish that they had completed more education.
In addition to the many financial benefits, college graduates are more likely to be civically engaged, exercise more and have better health outcomes, more likely to donate to charity and volunteer, more likely to be satisfied with their job, and are more likely to start a business and hold a patent.
When is Graduation?
Washington State University held its spring commencement for more than 4,700 graduates on May 7. Videos of the ceremonies can be found here.
Central Washington University will hold ceremonies in Kent on June 5 for all University Centers in Western Washington. Additional events will be held in Ellensburg on June 10 for graduate students, and June 11 for undergraduates.
Eastern Washington University is holding two ceremonies on June 18, and anyone who graduated in 2020 or 2021 can attend this in-person event. A morning ceremony will be held for the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, the College of Health Science & Public Health, and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. An afternoon ceremony is planned for the College of Professional Programs.
The Evergreen State College is holding its graduation on June 10. In addition to the main ceremony, there will be additional graduation celebrations happening that week, including the Tacoma graduation.
The University of Washington is holding its 147th commencement exercises on June 11 at Husky Stadium where 5,500 students will receive their degrees. The UW is hosting two in-person ceremonies: the first for the graduating Class of 2022 on June 11; the second for graduates in the classes of 2020 and 2021 will be held on June 12.
Western Washington University’s spring commencement will be held the weekend of June 10. For those who graduated during the pandemic and may have missed the opportunity for an in-person celebration, they are welcomed to participate in the December event.
In addition to the main commencement ceremonies, many individual departments or colleges offer their own ceremonies to recognize graduating students as well.
Congratulations to the Class of 2022 graduates! We are proud of you and your many accomplishments.
Additional Resources
More information about commencement ceremonies can be found below:
- Central Washington University
- Eastern Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- The University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
Alumni Associations:
- Central Washington University
- Eastern Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- The University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
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