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Class of 2026 - Commencement Ceremony
Class of 2026 - Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 29, 2026
7:00 PM
Doors Open at 6:00 PM
Graduates Walk at 6:50 PM
Venue
Venue
This year’s ceremony will be held at the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena at the University of St. Thomas, located at 2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105. We’re excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 in this new location.
Parking
Parking
There is a $1 per hour parking fee for each of the three campus ramps. Street-level lots are available for free, along with free street parking around campus. We will have more information coming soon!
Ticketing & Seating
Ticketing & Seating
Each Class of 2026 graduate will receive 6 tickets for the graduation ceremony. Families will be asked to indicate if they need fewer or additional tickets, though extra tickets are not guaranteed. See your ParentSquare post for more detailed information, including the ticket request survey.
Final ticket allotments will be distributed as paper tickets in cap and gown bags during pick-up on Thursday, May 21; tickets are required for entry and cannot be replaced if lost.
The Graduation Ceremony will be live-streamed. A link will be provided closer to the ceremony date.
LPAA is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating and restrooms are available. ADA Seating is located on both the 100 and 200 levels. Companion seats are available next to accessible seating arenas.
Accessibility
Accessibility
LPAA is fully ADA-compliant.
The arena is fully accessible, including elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
A variety of Accessible seating is available throughout the venue (not limited to one section).
Arena staff will assist guests in finding appropriate seating upon arrival.
Companion seating is available in the identified accessible seating area. We ask that there be a limit of one companion.
A designated drop-off area is available near the entrance for guests with mobility needs.
Handicap Parking & Seating is limited and first come, first served — we recommend arriving early if accessible seating is needed.
If your family has specific accessibility needs or questions ahead of time, please contact us so we can help support your planning.
Meeting the Graduates after the Ceremony
Meeting the Graduates after the Ceremony
Graduates can meet family and friends in the main seating area after the ceremony. Family and friends may not come on the ceremony floor, nor may they go to the back area.
Food and Beverage
Food and Beverage
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena.
Exceptions: Items for medical needs or small children.
Allowed: One factory-sealed, 20 oz plastic water bottle per guest.
Balloons and Airhorns
Balloons and Airhorns
Balloons and airhorns are not permitted in Lee & Penny Anderson Arena. Please keep them in your car or at home. If you bring balloons into the facility, you will need to check them at the door and can pick them up when you leave.
There will be metal detectors at the entrance to LPAA. Airhorns will be thrown away, or you will be permitted to return them to your car, but you will not be allowed to have them in the arena.
Security and Safety
Security and Safety
We will have police, hired security, our RHS School Resource Officer, and an EMT on site for the ceremony. We hope that we don’t have to use these services, but they will be present to respond to any incident or need.
Please be responsible and do not come to graduation under the influence of alcohol. We will be prepared to escort you off site, if you are.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the following items are not allowed inside University of St. Thomas athletic venues. Guests with prohibited items may be denied entry or asked to leave.
Advertising materials (unless pre-approved)
Alcohol
Aerosol cans (mace, pepper spray, hairspray, etc.)
Animals (service animals only; no pets or emotional-support animals)
Balloons, inflatables, balls, or projectiles
Bags larger than 12" x 6" x 12" (medical exceptions; all bags subject to search)
Confetti, glitter, or body paint
Glass containers, coolers, thermoses
Drones, remote-controlled devices, laptops/tablets, laser pointers, tripods/monopods/selfie sticks, cameras with detachable lenses
Illegal drugs
Obscene or offensive clothing or signage
Outside food or drinks
Exceptions: medical needs or small children
Allowed: one factory-sealed 20 oz plastic water bottle per guestStrollers, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, wheeled footwear
Tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping devices
Weapons of any kind
Any item deemed unsafe or inappropriate by St. Thomas Athletics or Public Safety
Note: This list may change without notice.
For general graduation questions, please contact Shannon Bornholdt at 651-423-7508 or email at shannon.bornholdt@district196.org
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