Commencement – Albright College

Commencement at Albright College

Albright College’s 164th Commencement Ceremony

Sunday, May 12, 2024, 2 p.m., Santander Arena

Commencement Program (or download it)

Saidah Arrika Ekulona ’92

Commencement Speaker

Saidah Arrika Ekulona ’92 is an award-winning theatre, television and film actress. She has originated roles on Broadway, off-Broadway, in regional theatres and international theatres, and originated the role of Mama Nadi in the Pulitzer Prize winning play “Ruined,” for which she won an Obie Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Jeff Award, Audelco Award and the Black Theatre Alliance Award. 

She is currently cast in “Bob Hearts Abishola” and can also be seen as Toni Chapman in “A League of Their Own.” Saidah has been a recurring featured guest star on “Snowfall,” “Better Call Saul,” “Bull,” “Kevin Can Wait,” “Impastor,” and has also guest-starred in “Scandal,” “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Why Women Kill,” “Room 104,” “The 100” and “Shameless,” among others. Ekulona’s film work includes “Life of Chuck,” “Dark Was the Night,” “Honeyglue,” “Christian Mingle,” “The Den,” “The Taking of Pelham 123,” “Righteous Kill” and others.

Theatre credits include Broadway/off-Broadway/regional: “Seize The King” (La Jolla Playhouse); “An American Daughter” (Williamstown Theatre Festival); “Othello,” “Unconditional,” “Well,” “The Square,” “Romeo and Juliet” (Public Theatre/NYSF); “The Thugs” (Soho Rep); “Fabulation” (Playwrights Horizons); “A Streetcar Named Desire” (NYTW), “The Thugs” (Soho Rep) and more.

While attending Albright, Ekulona was a highly active member of the Domino Players, African American Society, Albright Unity and the Women’s Center. She attended the Eugene O’Neill Center’s National Theatre Institute in fall of 1991, and in 1992 received her Albright Bachelor of Arts individualized study degree in theatre, African American studies and women’s studies. In 1995, she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of Minnesota.

Read: “Owings Mills High School Alum Saidah Arrika Ekulona on Her Journey to ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’,” Baltimore Magazine

Santander Arena security policy

No bags larger than 12”x12” will be permitted inside Santander Arena. Bags that are larger than a 4”x 6” must be clear. Diaper bags are allowed only if child is present. All bags and people are subject to search. Metal detectors will be in use.

The following items are prohibited in Santander Arena:
· Balloons, noise makers, guns, knives, or weapons of any kind;
· Outside food and/or beverage;
· Laser pointers or glow sticks;
· Clothing or accessories with spikes or sharp objects; and
· Backpacks of any kind.

Please visit the Santander website for more information on security practices, accessibility and more.

 

Check here for all Commencement Email Updates

Preparing for Commencement

Registration and Ordering

  • Registering for Commencement:  You must register for the Commencement ceremony before May 4, 2024, so that we know you intend to participate. Please note that registering does not guarantee completion of a degree; completion of required course work as recognized by the Registrar will decide conferral of degree.
  • Caps and Gowns:  Beginning on Tuesday, March 26, you will be able to order your cap and gown. The Gear Shop (formerly the Bookstore) is planning on holding a Gear Shop Cap & Gown Fair in the Gear Shop on Tuesday, March 26 and Wednesday, March 27, from 10:00am to 4pm, both days, for graduates to order their cap and gown in person.  If you are not able to make it to the Gear Shop’s Cap & Gown Fair on March 26 or 27, you may order in person any day AFTER Wednesday, March 27 and up until Friday, April 19, when all orders must be placed.  Additionally, if you cannot make it to the Gear Shop to order in person, the Gear Shop will be accepting phone orders beginning on Thursday, March 28.  You may contact Christina Fishburn via email at cfishburn@albright.edu and/or via phone at 610.921.7274.  You must pay for your academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel & hood) when you order.  The Gear Shop accepts cash and credit cards only–checks are not accepted and you are not allowed to charge to your student account.  Here are the costs:
    • Cost for Undergraduate Degree cap, gown, tassel & hood is approximately $120.
    • Cost for Masters Degree cap, gown, tassel & hood is approximately $130.
      Questions on Caps & Gowns?
  • Commencement Announcements & Class Rings:  You may order formal Commencement announcements and class commemorative rings and jewelry through the Albright College page of Balfour’s website.
  • Accommodated Seating: Santander Arena’s main entrance is ADA accessible, with ramp and elevator access. If you need accommodated seating it is strongly recommended that you request accommodated seating at Commencement or accommodated seating at Baccalaureate. When you arrive at the event, please look for the signs to direct you to the designated accommodated seating entrance.  And, please note: The wait time for the elevator can be longer than expected, so plan to arrive early.  Should you have any questions regarding accommodated seating, please email the Student Accessibility Office at SAA@albright.edu.
  • Santander Arena has information about planning your visit with information about accessibility, hotels and restaurants nearby
  • Local Hotels: Some hotels are offering special pricing for Commencement. Hilton DoubleTree, Marriott, and Holiday Inn Express.
  • Are you an Albright Legacy?:  All 2024 graduates with legacy alumni relatives (parent, step-parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or sibling) will be invited to participate in the Legacy Alumni Greeting at Commencement. Please visit https://www.albright.edu/alumni/legacy-alumni-greetings/ for more information

Which Arena Entrance Should I use?


Graduates as well as Presidential and Legacy Seating guests should enter through the Team Store/Reading Royals Hockey Club at the end of the block toward 8th & Penn Street. Doors open at 12:30 for graduates and guests.All other guests as well as those with Accessibility/ADA seating should enter at the main entrance by the box office. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.Student & VIP Entrance
765 Penn St Reading, Pennsylvania

Family and guest entrance
700 Penn St Reading, Pennsylvania

Baccalaureate Ceremony – Saturday, May 11, 2024, 4 p.m.

The Baccalaureate ceremony starts off the Commencement weekend. Baccalaureate is a time to celebrate our graduates and reflect on their journey at Albright. It is a service that is held on campus in MPK Memorial Chapel.  This year we are delighted to share that we have two Baccalaureate Speakers–Rabbi Brian I. Michelson and Rubina Tareen.

  • Graduates do not wear robes and caps, but should dress appropriately for the occasion
  • The ceremony lasts approximately one hour.
  • Faculty should gather beforehand with their regalia at the CCM.
  • No tickets are needed.

Commencement Ceremony – for Graduates

GRADUATE ARRIVAL TIME

All graduates should arrive at the Santander Arena NO LATER than 12:30 p.m. with cap, gown, and hood in hand.  You will begin line-up at this time and receive further instructions.

Parking

The following is the Reading Parking Authority’s rate schedule for graduation ceremonies at the Santander Arena.

 

State Lot – $10 (across the railroad tracks – State Office Building)

Convention Center Garage – $10 (beside Double Tree Hotel) (Gateless Garage)

South Penn Garage – $5 (enter on 600 block of Cherry or Franklin St) (Gateless Garage)

4th & Cherry St Garage – $5 (Gateless Garage)

Reed & Court St Garage – $5 (Gateless Garage)

5th & Cherry St Lot $5

Poplar & Walnut Garage – $5 (Gateless Garage)

 

GATELESS PARKING HOW TO…

1. Welcome! No gate. No ticket. No need to stop.

2. License plate is recorded.

3. Park as usual. Find you spot and pull right in.

4. Payment required within 15 minutes of entering garage. (Failure to pay will result in a violation being mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.)

5. Have your license plate number ready – you will need it to pay. The license plate number must be exact. Do not add PA, a hyphen or spaces. But add leading letters for specialty license plates.

6. You have payment choices… Walkup pay station. ParkMobile. Text2Park. It’s up to you.

7. You’re on your way!

8. Ready to leave? No gate, no payment, nothing to slow you down. You’re on the road!

 

Ways to Pay

1. Walk-Up Pay Station Cash and credit card payments are accepted at walk-up pay stations located on the first floor of every garage near the elevator. Note: If paying with cash, please make exact payment. Pay station does not issue change.

2. Download the ParkMobile app via the AppStore or Google Play It is strongly recommended that you download the app and review the instructions prior to commencement to avoid last minute parking issues.

3. Text2Park and pay with MobilePay Scan the QR code or text the code listed on the signage to the five-digit number listed on the signage in the parking garage. (For South Penn Garage, text Southpenn to 25023) Most signage is located near the elevators. You will then receive a link to register your vehicle license plate.

Additional information is available at www.ReadingParking.com/gateless

 

Keep your receipts in case any problems arise. Remember to pay before you walk away!

 

Reading Parking Authority 24/7 Live Call Center (484) 339-4979

All other guests as well as those with Accessibility/ADA seating should enter at the main entrance by the box office. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Additional information

Arrival

12:30 p.m. — Graduates report, with cap, gown and hood.

Please enter the Santander Arena at the Press Entrance on Penn Street, where you will be checked in. Your tassel should be to the front RIGHT of your graduation cap.

Only stoles representing Jacob Albright Scholars are approved for Commencement ceremonies. Students wearing stoles other than those for Jacob Albright Scholars will be required to remove their stole prior to their name being announced or they will not be allowed to walk across the stage.

Cords are meant to signify college engagement. Therefore, only cords representing organizations that are approved by Albright’s Student Government Association are allowed. Cords for non-SGA approved organizations are prohibited. No exceptions will be made to these rules, unless approved by the Provost, in writing.

2:00 p.m. — Processional begins. Remain standing for the National Anthem and invocation. Men should remove caps for the National Anthem, invocation prayer, benediction and Alma Mater.

  • Conferring Degrees, Presentation of Diplomas
    As soon as President Fetrow has conferred your degree upon you as a group (BA, BS, MA, MS), all will be seated. Each row in your group will rise and proceed in alphabetical order to the right side of the platform (as you face it). Keep at least six feet behind the person in front of you.  When you reach the platform, pause for a moment while your name is being announced to the audience before proceeding to the President, who will hand you your diploma cover. Note: You will receive cover only at this time. Your diploma will be mailed to you six to eight weeks after commencement.  You will then continue across the platform and return to your seat following the Marshals’ directions. You may be seated immediately.  Once all diplomas (covers) have been presented, instructions will be delivered by the class officers to switch the tassel on the cap to the LEFT.
  • The Recessional
    Follow the instructions of the Marshals for the recessional.  Graduates and families are asked to meet outside of Santander Arena after the ceremony.  We expect that the ceremony will last approximately two hours.

Commencement Ceremony – for Families and Guests

Pre-ordering

You can order formal Commencement Announcements.
Santander Arena has information about planning your visit with information about accessibility, hotels, and restaurants nearby.  Berks County/Reading tourism information

Parking

The following is the Reading Parking Authority’s rate schedule for graduation ceremonies at the Santander Arena.

 

State Lot – $10 (across the railroad tracks – State Office Building)

Convention Center Garage – $10 (beside Double Tree Hotel) (Gateless Garage)

South Penn Garage – $5 (enter on 600 block of Cherry or Franklin St) (Gateless Garage)

4th & Cherry St Garage – $5 (Gateless Garage)

Reed & Court St Garage – $5 (Gateless Garage)

5th & Cherry St Lot $5

Poplar & Walnut Garage – $5 (Gateless Garage)

 

GATELESS PARKING HOW TO…

1. Welcome! No gate. No ticket. No need to stop.

2. License plate is recorded.

3. Park as usual. Find you spot and pull right in.

4. Payment required within 15 minutes of entering garage. (Failure to pay will result in a violation being mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.)

5. Have your license plate number ready – you will need it to pay. The license plate number must be exact. Do not add PA, a hyphen or spaces. But add leading letters for specialty license plates.

6. You have payment choices… Walkup pay station. ParkMobile. Text2Park. It’s up to you.

7. You’re on your way!

8. Ready to leave? No gate, no payment, nothing to slow you down. You’re on the road!

 

Ways to Pay

1. Walk-Up Pay Station Cash and credit card payments are accepted at walk-up pay stations located on the first floor of every garage near the elevator. Note: If paying with cash, please make exact payment. Pay station does not issue change.

2. Download the ParkMobile app via the AppStore or Google Play It is strongly recommended that you download the app and review the instructions prior to commencement to avoid last minute parking issues.

3. Text2Park and pay with MobilePay Scan the QR code or text the code listed on the signage to the five-digit number listed on the signage in the parking garage. (For South Penn Garage, text Southpenn to 25023) Most signage is located near the elevators. You will then receive a link to register your vehicle license plate.

Additional information is available at www.ReadingParking.com/gateless

 

Keep your receipts in case any problems arise. Remember to pay before you walk away!

 

Reading Parking Authority 24/7 Live Call Center (484) 339-4979

Additional information


Graduates as well as Presidential and Legacy Seating guests should enter through the Team Store/Reading Royals Hockey Club at the end of the block toward 8th & Penn Street. Doors open at 12:30 for graduates and guests.

All other guests as well as those with Accessibility/ADA seating should enter at the main entrance by the box office. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Photography and Videography

A collegiate photography company will take photographs on Commencement day of all our graduates (during the diploma presentation on stage) and as the (graduate steps off the stage holding his or her diploma). Shortly after graduation, the photography company will send you several color proofs for your review and instructions for ordering prints. These will come directly from the studio, not from Albright College.

Albright College live streams the Commencement ceremony.

Due to security and safety reasons, parents and families are not allowed to enter the arena floor to take pictures during the ceremony.

Ceremony

(Tickets are NOT required!)

Commencement begins at 2 p.m. promptly and should last approximately two hours. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. All guests should enter through the main ticket box entrance on Penn Street (next to the train tracks and across the street from the DoubleTree Hotel front entrance).

If someone in your group needs accommodated seating for mobility, hearing, or visual needs, the graduating student should pre-register for accommodated seating.

After the Ceremony

Diplomas

Diplomas will be sent by mail to everyone who qualifies.

 

If you have any questions about Commencement please call or email us!

Looking for the 2023Commencement Ceremony video?