Commencement

Members of the Class of 1975 marked the 50th anniversary of their graduation by participating in Northwestern’s 167th commencement ceremony. Explore photos from the event.

Sunday, June 15, 2025
United Center
Chicago

Event Schedule

8:30 a.m. Breakfast reception at the United Center's Ketel One Club; Class photo in caps and gowns

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Commencement ceremony


Honored Commencement Speaker

Steve CarrellBeloved comedian, actor and devoted father Steve Carell will address Northwestern’s Class of 2025 at the University’s 167th annual Commencement on Sunday, June 15.

Carell is an award-winning actor, writer and producer, globally revered for his memorable work in film, television and theater, including his classic film roles in “Bruce Almighty,” “Anchorman: The Legend of Rob Burgundy,” “Crazy, Stupid Love,” and “Date Night.” Up next, he can be seen in the upcoming Netflix comedy “The Four Seasons” opposite creator Tina Fey.

Carell’s daughter, Annie, is a member of the Class of 2023 and a graduate of the School of Communication. His son Johnny, a member of the class of 2026, is a student in the School of Communication.

Carell will also receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts.

Read the full Northwestern Now story here.

Letter to the Class of 2025

Elizabeth Heller AllenYour fellow classmate, Elizabeth (Buffy) Heller Allen ’75, was selected to write a letter to this year’s graduates. The letter will appear in the 2025 Commencement program and is available for you to enjoy.

 


Tickets, Parking, and Entry
On Monday, June 9 you will receive two emails from the NU Graduation Office.

  • The first message contains information about your NU Graduation Office account, which was automatically created when you registered for the 50th Reunion Commencement Celebration.
  • The second contains your admission ticket(s), and parking ticket(s).
You can 'Download' the tickets to print them ahead of time or 'View' to display on your mobile device on the day of the event. Please note, your ticket(s) will show 10:30 a.m., which is when the commencement ceremony will begin. The 50th Reunion breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. as noted in the schedule above. 

Free parking is offered to 50th Reunion alumni and their guests at the United Center in Lot G North, located on the corner of Madison Street and Damen Avenue. The entrance to the lot is off Damen Ave. Entrance will require the parking ticket you will receive via email. MAP

Once you have parked, you will enter through Gate 1. There will be a "Welcome 50th Reunion Alumni" sign.

Uber, Lyft, and taxis will drop off in the Uber Zone as shown on the map. Please proceed to Gate 1 to enter the United Center as close as possible to the Ketel One Club.


Recommended Attire

The recommended attire for this event is business casual. Caps and gowns will be provided for 50th Reunion alumni upon check-in at the United Center; sizing information is included in the registration process.

The Class of 1975 will be seated with the graduating class during the Commencement Ceremony. Your guests will be escorted to VIP boxes to view the ceremony. Comfortable shoes for walking in the procession are suggested. Alumni will likely be waiting for 15-20 minutes in place for the ceremony to begin. Our photographer will take additional photos during this time.

Bags brought into the United Center may be no larger than 10 x 6 x 2 inches, and all bags will be inspected by security personnel upon entry. You may wear a small purse under your gown during the ceremony, but personal items may also be left behind at the Ketel One Club where they will be watched by Northwestern staff. Please review the list of prohibited items.