Graduation 2025
**The 2025 Astronomy and Physics Graduation Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 17 at the Alumni Hall Ballroom, 11:00am - 1:00pm.**
Questions can be directed to astro-phys@virginia.edu.
Action Items for Graduating Students
- Fill out the RSVP form, Due May 1
- Pickup your graduation cord and department gift at the 4th Year Celebration on April 17. If you are unable to attend the event, cords and gifts may be picked up from the Front Office.
- Complete the exit survey. It will be emailed to you.
Event Details
The Astronomy Department holds its annual graduation ceremony jointly with the Physics Department. During the event, we celebrate the achievements of our undergraduate and graduate students who completed our program and who earned department awards.
2025 Ceremony
General Info
- Fair-Weather Location: Alumni Hall, Ballroom (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
- Inclement-Weather Location: Same
- Severe-Weather Location: Same
- Astronomy Department Contact: Gabby Fuller; gfuller@virginia.edu
- Physics contact: Avery Bledsoe; ptt3vn@virginia.edu
Schedule of Events
Refreshments will be available on the patio outside the Alumni Hall ballroom before the ceremony, starting at about 11:00 a.m., courtesy of the Departments of Physics, Astronomy, and the College of Arts and Sciences.
11:00: Arrival and refreshments
12:00: Ceremony begins
Opening and Introduction of Speakers: TBD
Welcoming Remarks: Dr. Steve Majewski & Dr. Despina Louca
Presentation of Awards
- D. Nelson Limber Award for Undergraduate Work in Astronomy: TBD
- Outstanding Undergraduate Major Award in Physics: TBD
- Alexander Vyssotsky Prize for Undergraduate Research in Astronomy: TBD
- The Steven Thornton Award in Physics Undergraduate Research: TBD
- McCullough Scholarship Award for Undergraduate Work in Astronomy: TBD
- The Physics Community Leadership Award: TBD
- The Laurence W. Fredrick Teaching Award: Reynier Squillace
- 2022 Outstanding Graduate Research in Physics: TBD
- Emma Williams Prize in Astronomy: TBD
Distribution of Ceremonial Scrolls
- B.A. Astronomy
- B.S. Astronomy-Physics
- B.A. Physics
- B.S. Physics
- M.S. Astronomy
- Ph.D. Astronomy
- M.A. Physics
- M.S. Physics
- Ph.D. Physics
1:00: End of event
Tickets
Tickets are required for the department ceremony. You will need to pick them up from your department administrator (Gabby Fuller in Astronomy or Avery Bledsoe in Physics). Each student will get 3 tickets. Additional tickets can be requested via the online form.
Parking
Free parking is available at Alumni Hall for the duration of the event. You do not need to reserve parking, nor do you need a pass. While parking is available to all, we highly encourage carpooling and walking as much as possible.
FAQs
Do I need tickets to attend?
Tickets are required for the department ceremony. You will need to pick them up from your department administrator (Gabby Fuller in Astronomy or Avery Bledsoe in Physics). Each student will get 3 tickets. Additional tickets can be requested via the online form. This will be sent out in April.
Tickets are also required for the larger graduation ceremony for Arts & Sciences (more details here).
Will there be food?
Yes, food and drinks will be provided.
Who can come?
Department members, family, and friends are all welcome to attend the festivities!
If I'm graduating, do I need to wear a cap and gown?
We won't turn you away if you're not wearing regalia, we highly encourage graduating students to fully participate by wearing your cap and gown. For more information on acquiring your cap and gown, visit the UVA Graduation website.
Will I get my diploma at the ceremony?
No. You will be handed a stand-in scroll during the ceremony. Your real diploma will be mailed to you at the address you have listed in SIS. You should ensure that your mailing address is correct well in advance of graduation. For more information about diplomas, visit the College of Arts and Sciences website.
I'm getting a department award. Should I attend graduation?
Yes! A portion of the ceremony is dedicated to department award-winners. You will receive your award certificate at the ceremony and be recognized for your work. You are encouraged to attend and bring any family and friends with you.
What else should a graduating student know?
Each graduating student will receive a small gift from both the Astronomy and Physics Departments. In order to receive this, you should attend graduation.
Please also see the action items below.