Commencement 2022: A preview of a fun-packed Senior Week

Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

It’s that time of year again: Commencement. But unlike the past several years, Commencement 2022 will proceed in full force without COVID-19 disruptions. That means graduating seniors will get to enjoy a whole week of festivities during the annual Senior Week at Northeastern. 

“We were sort of out of the woods last year—but not quite,” says Caroline Carr, senior year experience engagement officer at Northeastern. 

Those who wish to participate in Senior Week can register online here.

Senior Week 2022 begins on Friday, with graduating seniors swinging by Solomon Court at the Cabot Center to pick up and decorate their caps and gowns from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. There, students who made donations can pick up their donor cords and donor medallions. 

Then the fun begins on Saturday, May 7, with the Centennial Carnival, scheduled to take place in Centennial Common from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The carnival is a new addition to Senior Week, Carr says, and will include all your festival staples: Popcorn machines, cotton candy, food trucks—even a giant game of Jenga. 

Following the carnival, students will make their way to “senior afternoon” at Fenway Park, beginning at 4 p.m. That will run until 8 p.m. 

Beginning on Sunday, students can participate in the Lucky Strike Takeover, which will take place in the Fenway from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Students can head over to Blackman Auditorium afterwards for the “Hot Ones Live” with Sean Evans, creator and co-host of the popular celebrity interview series on YouTube, scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Evans will be in conversation with Alexander Miccio, coach of the men’s rugby team at Northeastern.

“We think he’s going to be a really great match for Sean,” Carr says. “And the rugby team is also excited that their coach is going to be part of this event.” 

Coming to Senior Week on Monday, May 9, is the Stuff a Husky event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robinson Tents; Class Ring Tabling, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Snell Quad; Seniors SoulCycle Ride, scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the SoulCycle BackBay; and the Time Out Market Buyout, scheduled from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Time Out Market in the Fenway.  

Then on Tuesday, May 10, students will get to depart from the New England Aquarium for a whale-watching expedition beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. 

Wednesday, May 11, is set to be an event-filled day. Graduates can participate in the Boston Duck Tours, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off will be at Forsyth Circle. Then from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., students can head over to Blackman Auditorium for the “Last Lecture,” which will be delivered by Bridget Smyser, teaching professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern. 

The Senior Donor Champagne Reception will take place later that evening at ISEC from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., but only for guests who must have made a minimum donation of $20.22 during their senior year.

The final day of Senior Week, Thursday, May 12, will feature Class Ring Tabling at the Snell Quad from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Cycleboat Tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pier 6 in Charlestown.

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