Rooted Here. REady for Anywhere.
Commencement
& Signature Senior Events
Event Information
Request accommodations for yourself or any of your invited guests to any of the above events.
View the Campus Route and parking for the Commencement ceremony.
Streaming
Click the links below to view the live streams of Baccalaureate & Commencement
Seniors, use this link to register to receive photos from the Commencement ceremony.
Event Information
Accommodations – Request accommodations for yourself or any of your invited guests to any of the above events.
Map & Parking – View the Campus Route and parking for the Commencement ceremony.
Streaming – Click the links below to view the live streams of Baccalaureate & Commencement
Photography – Seniors, use this link to register to receive photos from the Commencement ceremony.
Commencement Student Awards
Dr. Charles R. Clegg Outstanding Scholar Award
The Dr. Charles R. Clegg Outstanding Scholar Award is presented to the graduating senior(s) with the overall highest grade point average in all courses completed at Young Harris College. It is named in honor of the late Dr. Charles R. Clegg, beloved president of Young Harris College from 1950 to 1963.
Zell B. Miller Leadership Award
The Zell B. Miller Leadership Award is presented to the graduating senior who has made significant contributions to campus life at Young Harris College as an outstanding leader and role model. It is named in honor of the late Hon. Zell B. Miller, a member of the Young Harris College Class of 1951 and a Lifetime Trustee of the College. Miller served as Georgia’s 79th Governor from 1991 to 1999 and as U.S. Senator from 2000 to 2005. The recipient is selected from campus nominations by a panel of faculty, staff, and administrators.
Young Harris Spirit Award
Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Mary Mildred Sullivan Awards
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Mary Mildred Sullivan Awards are given annually by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation to a male and female graduating student at Young Harris College whose nobility of character and dedication to service sets them apart as examples for others.
The awards were created in 1890 to honor the husband and wife for whom the awards are named. The colleges and universities that participate in the Sullivan Awards program reflect the interest of Algernon Sydney Sullivan and his wife, Mary Mildred Sullivan, a native of Virginia, in the education of students in the American South. Previous recipients of the Sullivan Awards include First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and noted children’s television star Fred Rogers.
FAQs about Commencement
Who is involved in Commencement?
Commencement is a time to celebrate our College graduates, but lots of people help bring the ceremony to life.
The most senior member of the faculty serves as the faculty marshal, and carries the mace during the commencement ceremony. The Student Government Association president serves as the student marshal carrying the academic gonfalon. Traditionally, members of the Dorcas Society are selected to serve as student marshals to lead segments of the academic procession and recession.
The platform party is the first group in the academic procession. The group includes the President of the College, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, a representative from the Board of Trustees, the campus minister, and invited honored guests, such as the commencement speaker.
YHC student ambassadors represent the College at a variety of programs and events. One of the largest of these events is Commencement, where the ambassadors serve as ushers, hosts and hostesses to families and guests.
When do I get my diploma?
Diplomas will be handed out after the Commencement ceremony. If graduates do not participate, the diploma will be sent by mail. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.
How many tickets do I get?
All Senior students are allotted 4 Baccalaureate tickets, 1 for the student and 3 for guests.
For Commencement, Seniors are alloted 8 tickets; all 8 are for guests.
Use ticket links above to register. To adhere to safety codes, extra tickets are unavailable.
Will Commencement be live-streamed?
Yes, both Baccalaureate and Commencement will be live-streamed. Links are available above. Recordings will then be available on our YouTube page, and event photos will also be available on our Flickr page soon after the events.
