TU looking for Winter Commencement volunteers
Help with one of TU’s most significant on-campus celebrations
By Casey Bordick '18 on December 3, 2023
Towson University's Winter Commencement ceremonies always provide graduates with a near-flawless experience. That's thanks to the countless volunteers who help throughout the week to make sure graduates are celebrated properly.
This year will feature three ceremonies, taking place on Wed., Dec. 20 and Thurs., Dec. 21, and TU is looking for volunteers for each ceremony.
To support graduates and their guests, volunteers give directions, direct crowd flow, welcome guests and provide parking and ushering services. Volunteers also offer grads assistance in the robing area and during the processional and recessional.
All 300 positions are crucial to creating a smooth and memorable experience. There is still time to get involved with a few critical areas still in need of volunteers.
Hilary Saunders has volunteered at several Commencements. She is also a recent TU graduate and works in the advancement office as major gifts officer for College of Fine Arts & Communication.
Saunders speaks with people every day about TU and extends her professional experience into her volunteer work during Commencement. “Graduation is their first step into who they will be to the world and the career path they’ve chosen. I’m there to help them look good and feel good about crossing that stage so they can take in the moment!”
She volunteers because it allows her to help spread the joy she remembers feeling on the day she graduated from TU. “As a recent grad, I still have the same energy I had on that day and try very hard to give that same energy back to the students.”
Thomas Ruby, director of the student and university billing office, has volunteered for spring and winter Commencement ceremonies since 2001 and has been a part of the TU community for 42 years.
His previous duties include supporting the procession of the president and faculty while also providing training for banner carriers. “Commencement is the happiest day for the TU community. Seeing the excitement of family, friends and students… I am glad to be a part of that.”
New Volunteer Opportunities
Sensory-Friendly Volunteer Positions
As part of TU’s continued effort to provide an inclusive environment on campus, this year volunteers will provide resources to those with sensory needs and their caregivers.
The locations and duties of this position will vary, and volunteers must be flexible, possess compassion and empathy for those with sensory needs and demonstrate patience with health-associated challenges.
Prior experience working with individuals with sensory needs or health challenges is a plus, but it is not required.
Bilingual Volunteer Positions
Faculty, staff and alumni volunteers can register as bilingual on the volunteer registration form to designate their willingness to support non-English speaking guests. Bilingual volunteers will wear colorful language buttons and be stationed in highly visible places.
Commencement Schedule
All ceremonies are held at TU Arena.
The Fisher College of Science & Mathematics and the College of Fine Arts & Communication ceremony will take place on Wed., Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. Commencement for graduates in the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts will begin at 3 p.m.
On Thurs., Dec. 21, the ceremony for the College of Health Professions and the College of Business & Economics will begin at 10 a.m.
2023 Winter Commencement
Sign up to volunteer!
There is still a chance to be a part of the celebration and share the joy with our graduates and their families! Towson University is still looking for volunteers to help guests with parking.
Online registration is open for Winter Commencement 2023. To learn more about the remaining volunteer needs, check out the university’s Commencement volunteers website.