During your time at Cedar Crest, you’ve accomplished great things, forged lifelong connections, and made some unforgettable memories, and we want to hear all about it!

Take some time to reflect on your favorite memories at Cedar Crest, things you’ve accomplished, and those who have made a difference in your college career, and CLICK HERE to share them with us.

Stories and photos will be shared via College social media channels and on our Class of 2025 Reflections page on our website.

Submissions will close on April 14, 2025.

Honor cords for students graduating cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude may be purchased through the College Bookstore once final GPAs are determined in mid- to late-April.

Delphi honor cords are provided by the Office of the Provost. Graduates receiving Delphi cords will be contacted by the Office of the Provost prior to Commencement.

Other honor cords may be provided by the academic departments. Check with your professor or the department chair for more information.

Heritage and Identity Stoles 

Heritage and Identity Stoles are meant to commemorate your Cedar Crest experience, including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, study abroad or Sophomore Expedition destination, or to show pride for your identity, heritage, or culture.

Heritage and Identity Stoles can be purchased from the College Bookstore through Friday, May 9, 2025. Stoles will be distributed immediately before Espejo: Reflections of our Community.  Further information about pick-up will be shared at a later date.

The following varieties are available:

A.  Asian Pacific Islander Stole
The stole pattern for Asian and Pacific Islanders is typically adorned by flowers and includes red with gold or yellow to represent colors used in the islands and in Chinese culture. The pattern serves to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of Asian and Pacific Islander people.

B.  Cedar Crest Stole
The ginkgo is a symbol of longevity, hope and peace. For students, Cedar Crest is also a place of hope. Students celebrate their Cedar Crest pride with a stole adorned with the Cedar Crest logo—honoring their dedication and love for their alma mater.

C.  Falcon Athletics Stole
Cedar Crest College embraces and supports our student-athletes’ desire to be successful, both in the classroom and on the playing field. Athletes proudly wear the Falcon Head stole to show that athletics was an integral part of their educational process.

D.  Kente Stole
Kente cloth, a symbol of African heritage originating with the Asante tribe in Ghana, West Africa, dates back to the 12th century and was once favored by African royalty. The Kente cloth is meant to be worn during special occasions and this design serves to celebrate the success of our Black graduating students.

E/F.  Latinx and Sarape Stoles
Sarape stoles are fabricated using a traditional Mexican striped weave pattern and serve to express pride in the heritage of Mexicans and Latin Americans.

G.  LGBTQA+ Stole
The LGBTQA+ stole serves to express pride in one’s Gender and Sexuality Diversity (GSD) and to honor and acknowledge the achievements and contributions of our GSD graduates.

H.  Native American Stole
Using a traditional Navajo pattern from Southwest Cochiti, New Mexico, a location populated by indigenous peoples for centuries, this stole serves to celebrate a connection with American Natives.

I.  Veteran Stole
The navy blue Veteran stole commends graduating students for their service in the United States military.

J.  First Gen Stole
The First Gen stole serves to celebrate the accomplishments of students who are the first in their families to graduate college.

International and Study Abroad Stoles
International stoles provide visual recognition perfect for representing countries of origin or a student’s study abroad experience. Each stole is decorated with emblems or colors representing that country’s flag.

Questions about Heritage and Identity Stoles?  Contact the College Bookstore at  or 610-740-3765.

Dress Code

• Business casual attire is suggested under your gown for Commencement.
• No corsages or jewelry can be pinned onto your gown (academic or leadership pins are acceptable).
• Wear comfortable shoes. No flip-flops or extremely high heels. Between standing, walking, and spending time with your guests, you’ll be putting quite a bit of pressure on your feet.

Cap Decoration

• We look forward to seeing your creative designs!  However, please use good judgment and be tasteful.
• No vulgar, foul, hateful, or questionable language or imagery.
• Tassels start on the RIGHT and are moved to the LEFT of your cap when instructed to do so.

Hate Speech and Symbols Policy

Please note that the following College policy on hate speech and symbols applies to any attire, adornment, or decoration for ALL Commencement-related events:

Cedar Crest College (the “College”) values a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment. The College is committed to maintaining a respectful and welcoming living, learning, and working environment for all students, faculty, and staff. To uphold these values and commitments, the College prohibits hate symbols, images, or objects on campus or at college related events when they are not being used in the course of educational and academic instruction related to curricular or co-curricular learning outcomes. Hate symbols, images or objects, include but are not limited to swastikas, nooses, burning crosses, and Confederate flags.

As an academic community, the College values protected free speech as central to advancement 37 24/25 of learning. While the College values and protects free speech, it does not support hate speech. Hate speech is defined as abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice on the basis of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or similar grounds. The College also recognizes an obligation to ensure an educational environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all learners. For further information please refer to the Freedom of Expression Policy.

• Graduates must enter through the LOADING DOCK.  The address is 720 Linden Street.
• There is no parking allowed in the Loading Dock, and no guests will be admitted there.  There will be a security guard posted at the entrance to enforce this.
• PPL Center Security is utilizing metal detectors at every entrance – including the Loading Dock.  Anyone entering the arena will have to go through the metal detectors.  Please see the PPL Center’s A-Z Guide for a list of prohibited items and other arena policies.
• Parking is available in any Allentown Parking Authority garages/lots.  Parking is not included with guest tickets.  Parking options nearest to the entrances are as follows:
  • Loading Dock – Arena Deck @ 712 W. Linden (entrance next to Loading Dock)
  • Air Products Gate – Arena Deck @ 712 W. Linden or Spiral Deck @ 8th & Linden
  • WFMZ-69 News Gate is – 6th & Linden Garage / Morning Call Deck
• For more information on all Allentown Parking Authority lots and garages, and to prepay for your parking, CLICK HERE.
• Parking is credit card only – NO cash.  A link will be provided for those graduates and guests who want to prepay for their parking.
• Following the ceremony, graduates and guests must exit the arena.  PPL Center staff and security will begin to secure the building right away.  Graduates should plan to meet your guests and loved ones at a pre-determined location outside.

Graduates will be lined up alphabetically by name and seated on the arena floor at the PPL Center by primary degree program (BA, BS, BSN, MBA, etc.).  A list of which sections your guests should sit in to be nearest to where you are seated will be provided by email once the seating chart is finalized and in print on the day of Commencement.

Graduates will be called to the stage by primary degree program, and as they cross will be announced with their name, Latin honors, and Honors Program, if applicable.  Dual majors are not announced at Commencement but are recognized in the official Commencement program.

All graduates are invited to have a professional portrait taken by our vendor, Island Photography. Portraits can be taken with and without your regalia, for use as a professional headshot, if you choose.  Sessions will take place here on campus on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (1:00 – 7:00 p.m.) and Thursday, April 10, 2025 (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).  There is a $10 per person session fee.  To sign up, CLICK HERE.

Island Photography will also be on hand to take photos during both Hooding Ceremonies, Nursing Pinning, and Commencement.  More info about how to order those photos to come!

Cedar Crest College is committed to hosting inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully.

If you have a disability and may require accommodations to fully participate in any Commencement 2025 events, please CLICK HERE to let us know.

We look forward to working with you and to celebrating this milestone with you!

Feel free to direct any questions to the Commencement co-chairs at or 610-606-4612.  You may also contact Rebecca Kile, Director of Student Accessibility Services, at r or 610-606-4666 ext. 4462.