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We’re throwing our hats for these Raleigh college graduations

Congratulations to all of our local graduates — keep reading for where to celebrate and when the Raleigh college graduations are going down.

May 4, 2023 • 
Cat George
Graduates throwing their hat in the air in front of the NC State bell tower.

Get ready to throw your cap, grads.

Photo by @katie_4st

It’s graduation season and thousands of friends and family members will soon be traveling to our city to attend and celebrate Raleigh college graduations. Here’s where to celebrate and when the commencement ceremonies are going down.

Pro tip: Make sure to make reservations before availability fills up. Need inspiration for brunch, lunch, and dinner plans? We’ve got you covered with 40+ restaurants with outdoor patios.

Bonus: If you decide to celebrate at Taverna Agora, make sure to let them know and they will provide a plate for you to break and celebrate Greek style.

A William Peace graduate in his green cap and gown.

This William Peace University senior is ready for a diploma.

Photo by William Peace University

    Now, let’s get to the prime-time events.

    Commencement ceremonies

    • NC State University | Saturday, May 6 | 9 a.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | Military Commander and alumnus Anthony J. Cotton will address the more than 6,300 graduates.
    • Saint Augustine’s University | Saturday, May 6 | 9 a.m. | Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh | This year’s speaker is an alumna of ’98 and WakeMed Senior Executive Dr. Jeronica Goodwin.
    • Wake Technical Community College | Saturday, May 6 | 8 a.m., 11 a.m. + 2 p.m. | Scott Northern Wake Campus, 6600 Louisburg Rd., Raleigh | Graduates will have the opportunity to have their photos taken with Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls.
    • William Peace University | Saturday, May 6 | 9:30 a.m. | William Peace University, 15 E. Peace St., Raleigh | CEO, speaker, investor, advisor, entrepreneur, and executive coach Donald Thompson will be the commencement speaker.
    • Meredith College | Saturday, May 13 | 8:30 a.m. + 11 a.m. | Courtyard outside of Johnson Hall, 3800 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | University President Jo Allen will deliver the commencement address to the approx. 350 members of this year’s class.
    • Shaw University | Saturday, May 13 | 10 a.m. | Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh | Entrepreneur and philanthropist Natalie Madeira Cofield will address the class of 2023.

    Bonus: Keep up with the Wake County high school graduation schedule, beginning on Monday, May 22.

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