1950 Commencement exercises were held in Gill Coliseum for the first time.

First commencement in Gill Coliseum, 1950. In 1950, the first commencement was held in the new Coliseum and a full house of over 10,000 was expected to see 1,800 graduates receive their diplomas. Each graduate was allowed four guest tickets for family and friends. Despite the immense size of the building, seating for the general public was limited.

1950 Families were requested not to bring babies or small children to baccalaureate services or commencement exercises. Childcare was provided in the Orchard Street Nursery School for a charge of 50 cents per day.

Waiting to line up for the processional, 1951.

Graduates prepare for the processional, 1951.

Graduates arrive at Gill Coliseum, 1951.

Naval ROTC commissioning ceremony, 1952. The commissioning of ROTC cadets as officers takes place during the commencement weekend. During the 1950s, the ceremony was held at Bell Field, located where the Dixon Recreation Center is currently sited.

Graduate and her family wearing leis, 1955.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• 1870s-1890s
• 1900s-1910s
• 1920s-1930s
• 1940s
• 1950s
• 1960s
• 1970s
• 1980s-2000s