By Nicholas Calvino, Currier Times Staff///

Graduation is going to look a little different for seniors this year. It will be held at the Xfinity Center, the main summer concert facility in Mansfield, Massachusetts. It’s a bigger venue than the Curry College football field where it is usually held.

The capacity for the Xfinity Center is 19,900 seats. Curry College has not held a graduation ceremony at the Xfinity Center since 2019.

Students are really excited to be on such a big stage this year.

“I’m pretty excited because  a lot of well known artists have played there,” said Kenzie Schupp, a senior Communication major. “I’m glad it’s in person and I’m happy that my family can be there with me.”

Because of Xfinity Center’s capacity, it means more tickets to give to students. Instead of the usual 4 or 5 tickets per student it will be 18 tickets per student.

Prominent civic and public health leader Michael Curry will be the speaker for the commencement at this year’s graduation. He will also be receiving an honorary doctorate in Business.

Seniors are amazed graduation will be held off campus. Last year, the college held the 2020 and 2021 graduations on successive days on the football field on campus.

“From my standpoint, I’m surprised about the big venue but also excited,” said Mike Cotton, a senior Communication major.

Rehearsal will be held virtually. The college will post a link that seniors can use closer to the graduation. On Saturday, May 21st, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. there will be a family reception at the Student Center. At 3:00 p.m., Nursing graduates will have their pinning ceremony in the Katz Gymnasium.

Finally, on Sunday, May 22nd, the commencement will be held at Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA, starting with graduates showing up at 8:30 a.m. The official graduation begins at 10:00 a.m.

Make sure to visit Curry’s bookstore to purchase your cap and gown between April 20th and May 6th. For Bachelor’s it’s $60 and that includes cap, gown, tassel, and hood. For Master’s it’s $70 and that includes cap, gown, tassel, and hood. Also a 2022 purple and white souvenir tassel will be $5.

This year’s graduates are counting the days, but still have Covid on their minds for graduation.

“I’m excited and it’s also a nice open space,” said senior Megan Callahan. “I’m a little nervous because of the change from
last year and hopefully we don’t have to wear masks.”

The Currier Times congratulates our seniors and hope they and their families have a great graduation with Curry College.