Senior Commencement Speaker

Abas Noor is the senior class speaker. Noor, born in Somalia and raised in New Hope, Minn., is a Biology/Biochemistry major and Chemistry minor, with a Community and Global Health concentration.

Speaker for Commencement Address

Jeffrey Toobin will deliver this year’s commencement speech. Toobin, a senior legal analyst for CNN and staff writer for The New Yorker, is regarded as an expert on contemporary legal issues. He was formerly an assistant U.S. Attorney and legal analyst for ABC. During his time as a television legal analyst, he has reported on high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial, the Elián González custody case and the Supreme Court challenge to the Affordable Care Act. Toobin is also an accomplished author on legal issues. His published work focuses on the inner workings of the Supreme Court. His most recent book is titled “The Oath: The Obama White House and the Supreme Court.”

Senior Class Gift

Macalester’s annual senior Class Gift Campaign is led by a committee of students supported
by staff in Macalester’s Annual Fund Office. The campaign is a longstanding tradition and
encourages all seniors to give a gift to Macalester in celebration of graduation and in thanks for
an invaluable education.

Caps and Gowns

95% of graduating seniors choose to order a cap and gown for commencement. It’s easy, not too expensive, and if you take care of it ON TIME, it will keep parents, etc. from having a fit! Graduates and parents will be receiving more information in March. We will keep graduates updated as we get more information.

Caps and gowns can be ordered on-line at herffjones.com/college/macalester. The charge for cap and gown rental is $23.00 and the gown must be returned after the ceremony. The student may keep the cap and tassel. The last day to order a cap and gown is April 8, 2013. They will also be available to order on April 2, 2013 in the lower level of the Campus Center between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Delivery of the cap and gown is May 8, 2013. You will be advised when they are available for pick-up. 

If your gown is not returned, your credit card will be charged $115.

Graduation Announcements

Generic graduation announcements are available for purchase at the Highlander Bookstore for $15.95 (package of 10).

Personalized graduation announcements can be ordered through National Student Services. This beautiful, paneled announcement has the gold engraved Macalester crest and spellout on the front and gold stamped "Class of 2013" on the inside, along with the announcement text. This text includes the graduate's name and degree, Bachelor of Arts, eliminating the need for name cards. You may order online at simplyacademic.us/page/479371785.

Rehearsal and Class Photo

A photo of the entire graduating class will be taken at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 16. This
will be followed by a mandatory commencement rehearsal. At the rehearsal the students will
determine the seating order for commencement.

Senior Week Activities

Senior Week will take place May 13-18, 2013. This culminating week for the Class of ’13 is
planned by and for Macalester students. Please contact Allison Greenlee, Senior Week adviser
at greenlee@macalester.edu if you have questions or are interested in helping to plan the week.

Information and Assistance

Rain or shine, tickets are not necessary for attendance at the Commencement ceremony.
There will be room, either on The Lawn or in the Leonard Center Field House, for all family
members and friends of graduates to attend the ceremony.

If you need additional information or assistance concerning Commencement 2013,
please contact the Office of Student Affair, 651-696-6220. Staff members Pat Traynor
and Laurie Hamre will be happy to assist you. You may also reach them via email:
traynor@macalester.edu and hamre@macalester.edu.

Memorable Photo of Graduating Seniors!

Interested in submitting a favorite memorable photo and well wishes of your graduating senior to be displayed at the Baccalaureate Service? Please follow this link to submit your photo:  macalester.edu/religiouslife/programs/.

Commencement Photos and DVDs

Photographs are taken of individual graduates receiving their diplomas, and soon after Commencement, you will be contacted by the official photographer, Grad Images, 1-800-424-3686, for an opportunity to order.

A DVD of the commencement ceremony will be available to order. You may pick up a form at the Commencement check-in table or email traynor@macalester.edu and one can be sent to you. The cost of the DVD will be $30 (inside continental US) and $35 (outside continental US). The cost of the DVD includes tax, shipping and handling charges. If you have any questions regarding the graduation video, please contact jlindproductions@gmail.com. DVDs will be mailed by June 30, 2013.

Live Streaming of Commencement

The Commencement ceremony itself will be streamed live from 1:30 p.m. CST to 3:45 p.m. on
the Macalester web page www.macalester.edu/commencement.

Accommodations

Handicap parking is available on campus. There will be signs posted and volunteers available
to shuttle those who need it between the lots and the Commencement site. The college
does not provide wheelchairs or walkers for guests. If you are in need of handicap seating for
Commencement, please contact Pat Traynor ( traynor@macalester.edu or 651-696-6220). You are limited to two tickets per family for special seating. A sign language interpreter is available
for anyone needing this service.