A bridge between the past and the future, Commencement is a celebration of accomplishments and a promise of great things to come.

Commencement Exercises are steeped in traditions that date back to medieval times. If you’ve ever been to a Commencement or other academic ceremony, you might have wondered about some of its traditions.  

The traditions and symbolic elements described on this site have endured for generations and are part of EVMS’ Commencement Exercises today.