Commencement Ceremony 2018
The 74th Mitchell College Commencement Ceremony | May 12, 2018Commencement Speaker
Georgette Chapman Phillips
Kevin L. Lisa A. Clayton Dean and Professor, Perella Department of Finance and Africana Studies
Georgette Chapman Phillips currently serves as the Kevin L. and Lisa A. Clayton Dean of Lehigh University’s College of Business and Economics. She is a professor in both the Perella Department of Finance in the College of Business and Economics and in the Africana Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences. As Dean of the business school she has led the growth and stature through adding several graduate programs, undergraduate curriculum expansion in areas of internationalization and business analytics and expansion of the faculty.
Before joining Lehigh University, Dean Phillips was the David B. Ford Professor of Real Estate, and Professor of Legal Studies at Wharton and Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She held several administrative appointments including Vice Dean and Director of the Undergraduate program at Wharton. Prior to joining the Penn faculty she was in private law practice in New York and Philadelphia. She lectures internationally on topics in commercial real estate and urban planning and has published widely on these topics. She is a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. Dean Phillips received her JD from Harvard Law School and her BA in Political Science and Hispanic Studies from Bryn Mawr College.
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Hotel Accommodations
The following hotels in the New London area are holding blocks of rooms and/or offering special rates for Commencement weekend. Make your reservation early and directly with the hotel.
- Hilton Garden Inn, Groton – 860-445-6800. Special Rate – mention Mitchell College Graduation when making your reservation before April 11.
- Quality Inn, Mystic – 860-572-8531. Special Rate – mention Mitchell College Graduation when making your reservation before April 11.
- Days Inn, Niantic – 860-739-3951. Special Rate – mention Mitchell College Graduation when making your reservation by April 20.
Dining
New London and the surrounding area are known for a wide range of dining options from fine dining to pubs and family restaurants. Find an extensive list of area restaurants and happenings at New London Main Street or Mystic Country.
Grad Week May 8-12
Grad Week takes place from Tuesday, May 8 to Saturday, May 12, 2018. Students can participate in events which in the past have included late night activities in downtown New London, a beach bonfire, trip to a Trampoline Park and an overnight trip to Mohegan Sun. Grad week costs $150, which includes on-campus housing, meals and all activities. Tickets can be purchased now at gradweek2018.eventbrite.com. The finalized schedule will be released in April and there will still be an opportunity to purchase your ticket then. If you have any questions or would like input into the events being held, email Amy Bilezikian at bilezikian_a@mitchell.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Commencement ceremony?
The ceremony is approximately two hours. Following the ceremony, faculty, staff and the Commencement speaker will be greeting guests on the Clarke Patio.
Where is it held?
The Commencement ceremony will be held on the College Green.
What if it rains?
The Commencement ceremony will be held rain or shine under the large tent on the College Green.
How do I request special accommodations?
To make arrangements for guests with special needs, please contact Antaya Lee at lee_a@mitchell.edu or 860-701-5790.
How many people may I invite to the Commencement ceremony?
While you may invite as many people as you like, each student will receive four (4) tickets for the guaranteed seating area which can be accessed until 10:00 a.m. when the Commencement Procession begins. Any guests beyond the four ticket holders will be directed to the open seating area (no tickets needed) which is available on a first come/first serve basis. Guests may also bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for additional seating on the Green. Seats in the guaranteed seating area may not be saved prior to the arrival of the ticket holders. Please look for an usher in a red Mitchell polo for assistance or to answer questions on the day of the event.
Will the ceremony be streamed?
The 74th Mitchell College Commencement Ceremony will be streamed live at mitchell.edu/Commencement on May 12, 2018 beginning at 10:00 am.
What about parking?
Parking is available in campus lots by Henry Hall on Pequot Avenue and at the corner of De Biasi Drive and Montauk Avenue. Handicapped parking is available and shuttle service on golf carts is available on a limited basis. Speak to a security officer at the Montauk Avenue Main Campus Entrance.
Can I purchase flowers for a graduate?
Single stem red roses with white baby’s breath and wrapped in tulle will be available for purchase at the ceremony for $5 each (while supplies last).
How do I order a class ring?
The official Mitchell College class ring can be purchased (paid in full) online at www.jostens.com
Is the College Bookstore open on Commencement Day?
The Bookstore located in Yarnall Athletic Center will be open from 8am-2pm, and the Bookstore will also be selling Mitchell gear and keepsakes under a tent on the College Green before and after Commencement from 8:30am -1:30pm.
Where can I order customized gifts?
The Bookstore offers gifts and diploma frames. Graduates can order diploma frames online at the Bookstore website.
