Seniors getting professional photos taken in regalia
The Xavierite
Seniors at Saint Xavier University gathered in the Butler Reception Room on April 8, 2026, for a commencement ticket pick-up event. Held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event gave students the opportunity to collect their four guest tickets while also taking part in several graduation-related activities.
In addition to picking up tickets, seniors were able to connect with a regalia provider who answered questions about caps and gowns and ensured proper fitting.
Many students also took advantage of an on-site professional photographer, capturing photos in their regalia to commemorate the milestone.
Spiritwear was also available for purchase, for those seniors who want to take a part of SXU with them after graduation.
SXU merchandise
The Xavierite
For many students, the event made graduation feel more tangible. Dolapo Ogunleye, a senior communication major, stated “I remember being in line with my friend and holding onto the tickets, and I was just like, ‘Dude, we’re actually here… we’re so close. We’re at the finish line.’”
Ogunleye continued to say, “It felt so surreal to me.”
The event also featured an “Announcer’s Table” where students confirmed and recorded the correct pronunciation of their names to avoid any mispronunciations on commencement day.
Ogunleye described the event as well organized and easy to navigate. “I think it was really smooth. It was a nice, organized setup,” he said. He also highlighted specific elements that stood out, adding, “I really did like how they set up the table for announcing your name and pronouncing it right… that was really nice.”
Light refreshments were also available for attendees including but not limited to lemonade, brownies, and a variety of cookies.
Snacks provided at event
The Xavierite
While the event created a celebratory atmosphere, not all students viewed the experience the same way. A senior student who would prefer to remain anonymous noted concerns about the cost of graduating, saying, “I randomly opened my account (mySXU)… and it was like $175 to graduate, and I got to pay that. So the event and food really wasn’t free.”
Later sharing that they chose to attend the ceremony only after being told by the Office of the Registrar that their diploma would be on hold and the fee would remain until paid off regardless of participation in the ceremony.
Some students also chose to opt out of certain activities offered at the event. Ogunleye explained that he did not take photos at the event because he had already made other arrangements. “I actually already have somebody taking pictures for me… one of my friends, a student here, he’s a photographer,” he said, preferring to support a student’s passions.
Students who were unable to attend still had the opportunity to pick up their tickets from the Office of Records and Registration in Room A203 between April 13 and April 17, 2026.
Although, all unclaimed tickets after that period have been forfeited. Due to the amount of unclaimed tickets, all graduates can now pick up one extra ticket any weekday in Room A203 with an ID being required to pick up.
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