Commencement

We invite you to join us for this energizing celebration as we come together to honor this year’s graduates and celebrate their future endeavors to pave the way, make their mark and improve our world.

Our event features President Fred Whitt’s address, the conferral of degrees and messages from commencement speakers.

We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments and this significant milestone with the LR community and your families and friends.

Hickory Commencement
Friday, May 9, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Moretz Stadium (rain location Shuford Arena)

All bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates must check in promptly at Shuford Arena at 4:30 p.m. Refer to the Commencement Handbook posted below for specific details on line-up procedures, location and processional. This ceremony will also be live streamed on YouTube. View the commencement program. 

Columbia Commencement
Thursday, May 8, 10 a.m.
Ceremony Location: Ebeneezer Lutheran Church
1301 Richland Street
Columbia, SC

All specifics of line-up procedures and location, etc. will be provided no later than April 7.

Graduates should plan on arriving to campus in their regalia by 9 a.m. Guests should be in their seats by 9:45 a.m. to be ready for the processional.

Asheville Commencement
Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.
Ceremony Location: Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

The specific details on line-up procedures and location will be sent to all graduates no later than April 7.  We will march to the venue in regalia, so plan to be dropped off by your guests and they can meet you at the Orange Peel. We ask all guests to be in their seats at the Orange Peel by 9:45 a.m. Drop off location is TBD.

Commencement Handbook

The Commencement Handbook was developed for you, your family and guests in mind. You will find a wealth of information about the commencement ceremonies scheduled at all three LR campuses.

You are encouraged to carefully read through the information in the handbook, which provides details you will need leading up to your commencement, including location, times and where you will need to assemble for each ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're a graduating student, family member or guest, these frequently asked questions and answers provide helpful information about the ceremony, tickets, guests, regalia, accessibility and more.

For additional information, including answers to many frequently ask questions, please also refer to the Commencement Handbook posted on this page.

Regalia

If you have any questions about your order, contact Dondi Joyner, campus bookstore manager, at dondi.joyner@lr.edu or 828.328.7359.

Walk of Honor

Order a personalized brick to be included in the Walk of Honor.

• Graduating seniors have the opportunity to name a brick at a discounted rate of $150 if ordered before July 15 of their graduating academic year.
• Bricks ordered prior to July 15 will be installed by Homecoming of that year.
• Purchase bricks by check or credit card using the linked form below.
• Each brick can include the wording "In Memory of, In Honor of, or Given by..." before the inscription if specified on the order form.
• LRU reserves the right of final approval for each brick's wording.

If you are ordering more than one brick, you will need to complete this form for each brick.​