Mitchell College Commencement 2023
EVENT PHOTOS
Gradlmages is the official photographer for Commencement. Their photographers took the class photo, individual photographs of students as they received their diplomas and in front of a backdrop after they exited the stage, as well as candid photos.
GradImages has sent proofs via email to all students who submitted an information card. Proofs can also be viewed online at www.gradimages.com.
If you need help completing your order (or registering) please contact their Customer Service Department at (800) 261-2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. They have a large team of customer care representatives ready to help graduates and family members place their orders.
NOTE: The photos shown below were taken by Mitchell College’s staff photographer, Britt Barry, and are not available for purchase.
GUEST SPEAKER
Attorney General William Tong
William Tong is the 25th attorney general to serve Connecticut, taking office in 2019, and now serving his second term. He was the first Asian American elected to statewide office in Connecticut, and the first Chinese American to be elected Attorney General nationwide. He served for 12 years as a state representative in the Connecticut General Assembly, where he served as House chairman of the Judiciary Committee as well as the Banking Committee.
In his work as Attorney General, and previously as a state legislator, William Tong has been dedicated to safeguarding civil rights and freedoms, protecting the rights of women, minority communities, immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. Attorney General Tong is a national leader in many of the most consequential lawsuits and investigations in our country today, including bipartisan, multistate efforts to hold companies and individuals accountable for their role in the opioid crisis; to restore fair competition and prices in the generic drug industry; to hold social media companies accountable for the harms they may cause to kids and young people; to stop robocall scammers; and to ensure corporations safeguard our personal information from misuse and respect consumers’ rights regarding the collection and use of their information.
A Connecticut native and the oldest of five children, Attorney General Tong grew up in the Hartford area working side-by-side with his immigrant parents in their family’s Chinese restaurant. He attended schools in West Hartford and graduated from Phillips Academy Andover, Brown University and the University of Chicago Law School. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Stamford with their three children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Commencement ceremony?
The ceremony is approximately two hours.
Where is it held?
The Commencement ceremony will be held on the College Green.
Where is parking available?
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.
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 Michelle Lussier, Accessibility Services Coordinator, 860-701-5790, or email lussier_m@mitchell.edu. Please make your request by May 3.
How many people may I invite to the 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 ticket holders will be directed to the open seating area (no tickets needed), which is available on a first-come/first-served basis and is located towards the back of the tent. The tent will open starting at 9:00 a.m. 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 sash for assistance or to answer questions on the day of the event.
Will the ceremony be live streamed?
The 79th Mitchell College Commencement Ceremony will be streamed live via Zoom on May 13 beginning at 9:30am (ceremony starts at 10:00am).
ZOOM MEETING LOGIN
When: May 13, 2023 9:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Mitchell College 2023 Commencement Live Stream
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://mitchell.zoom.us/j/87487319813
NO Waiting Room
NO Password
Refreshments Available on Campus
The Marketplace Café will be open for Continental breakfast items, coffee and other refreshments for purchase.
Professional Photography
Gradlmages is the official photographer for Commencement. Their photographers will take individual photographs of students as they receive their diploma and another in front of a backdrop after they have exited the stage. Candid photos will also be taken. Several days after graduation, students will receive proofs from GradImages via email. Proofs can also be viewed online at www.gradimages.com. You will have the option of choosing from several photo packages at very reasonable prices. However, there is no obligation to purchase. Pictures may be ordered online or by phone. If you have any questions please contact Gradlmages Customer Service at 800-261- 2576 or via email at ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Preregister with Grad Images: Graduates can pre-register their email or friends and family email addresses and will be contacted as soon as their photos are available for online viewing and ordering. Plus, when you preregister, you’ll save 20% on any order of $50 or more. Click here to preregister at www.gradimages.com/registration.
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 $7 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
Where can I order customized gifts?
The online Bookstore offers apparel, gifts and diploma frames.
“Greeting for Grad Seating”
Honoring the Graduating Class
Greeting for Grad Seating is a new Mitchell tradition (started in 2022), that allows parents, families and friends to show their support for the Mitchell College graduating class by providing a message of encouragement or inspiration to a graduate at Commencement.
Thank you for your support of the Class of 2023 via the “Greeting for Grad Seating.” Through your gifts, all 125 graduating Mitchell College students received a message of encouragement or inspiration. Our graduating seniors were moved by your generosity and your kind words. In addition, many students received a commemorative pin to wear during commencement and beyond.
Your donations benefited the North Star Scholarship, which supports the next cohort of Mitchell graduates.
Donate/Learn More
If you were not able to participate this year to the honor the class of 2023, but would like to donate to the North Star Scholarship, please make your donation here.
Accommodations & Dining Options
Mitchell College Rental Properties
Mitchell College owns and operates several rental properties very close to campus that serve visitors to the area and help support the College financially. The College offers a direct rate when renting directly from us (no Airbnb fees, taxes, or cleaning fees). A list of our properties is below. Please let us know the name of the house and dates you are interested in and we will provide you with the rate. Once confirmed, we will reserve the vacation rental and send you the contract with payment schedule for your review and approval.
Mitchell College Rentals:
Other Options
New London and the surrounding areas are popular tourist destinations and offer many types of accomodations and activities. We recommend that you make your hotel reservation early. Below are some sites that provide travel information.
Dining
New London has an eclectic mix of dining options, from downtown pubs to seafood on the waterfront to fine dining and ethnic fare throughout the city. For dining and sightseeing options go to Visit New London.