Commencement: From Normal to Now

Towson University's 150th anniversary celebration comes to a close with the 2016 Spring Commencement ceremonies. Here is a look back at 150 years of commencement.

Members of the Maryland State Normal School Class of 1886-87.

On June 8, 1866, 16 graduates participated in the Maryland State Normal School’s (MSNS) first commencement exercises, which were held in a rented hall in Baltimore City. The order of exercises included a prayer, the singing of a hymn and the reading of student essays before diplomas were conferred.

Subsequent commencements continued to be held in rented halls until 1876, when the school relocated to its Carrollton and Lafayette Avenue location in West Baltimore, where ceremonies could be held in the main hall. Theresa Wiedefeld in her graduation dress in 1904

By 1877, while the students graduated with a teaching degree, they were taking courses in geometry, algebra, book-keeping, physiology, natural philosophy, English literature, Latin, mental and moral philosophy, chemistry, botany, zoology, vocal music, French, German, painting, instrumental music and telegraphy.

The school continued the tradition of holding commencement exercises on campus after relocating to its Towson location in 1915.

In 1931, the school’s curriculum increased from a two-year course of study to three years. Four years later, MSNS began to offer a four-year baccalaureate degree instead of teaching certificates. The 1935 commencement exercises marked the first time students not only graduated with baccalaureate degrees, but also the first time graduates wore caps and gowns.

President Theresa Wiedefeld '04 (pictured above in her graduation A student and several staff members in 1986 at Commencement dress) created Towson’s Master of Education program in 1958. Students could earn four-year bachelor’s degrees in art, biology, English, speech and drama, elementary education, geography, history, mathematics, and physical education after the junior college program for arts and sciences courses created in 1946 was extended to a four-year program.

During the 1960s, the school’s enrollment increased dramatically and commencement ceremonies were held in the Civic Center, now Royal Farms Arena, from 1970 to the early 1980s. After the conclusion of a campus construction boom, ceremonies resumed on campus, first at the Towson Center and now in SECU Arena.

Teacher Florence Snyder with members of the Class of 1912 — Teacher Florence Snyder and members of the Class of 1912 at the Carrollton and Lafayette Avenue location of Maryland State Normal School.

The 1925 Commencement ceremony — The Class of 1922, in front of Stephens Hall with the class banner

The Class of 1922 in front of Stephens Hall — The 1925 Commencement Ceremony - the first outdoor ceremony held on the Towson campus

The 1970 Commencement ceremony in the Civic Center — The 1970 Commencement Ceremony, held in the Civic Center in downtown Baltimore.

Two students during the 1985 ceremony — By the mid-1980s, Commencement had returned to campus. It was held first in the Towson Center and now in SECU Arena.