Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

2023 Commencement by the Numbers

Wednesday, May 10, 2023, By Christine Grabowski
Share
Commencement
Group of students in graduation cap and gowns sitting on the wall outside of Hendricks.

Graduates from the Class of 2023 celebrate around campus. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

As we celebrate the Class of 2023, there are many important details that the graduates and their families and friends need to know about the various celebrations happening on campus this weekend. But what about all the behind-the-scenes details that make up the festivities and the work that goes into preparing for Commencement?

Check out this roundup of some of the numbers behind the University’s academic celebrations this weekend:

Class of 2023 Takes the Stage

  • Number of students graduating: 6,160

    Navy blue graduation cap and white tassel sitting on top of orange and white Syracuse University sign

    2023 Syracuse University graduation cap and tassel. (Photo by Ross Knight)

  • Number of schools and colleges represented: 13
  • Number of degrees given: 6,503
  • Number of honorary degree recipients: 4
  • Number of degrees and certificates that will be awarded for the first time this academic year: 9
  • Average age of the Class of 2023: 25
  • Age of oldest graduate: 72

    Students throwing their caps in the air.

    Students celebrating Commencement weekend. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

  • Age of youngest graduate: 19
  • Number of student-athletes receiving degrees: 125
  • Number of U.S. states represented by the Class of 2023: 50
  • Number of countries represented: 98

Behind-the-Scenes

  • Orange flags with the college names on them

    Banners representing the University’s 13 schools and colleges. (Photo by Ross Knight)

    Number of production crew members and technicians who set up the Commencement stage at the JMA Wireless Dome, College of Law Commencement and convocation stages at the Dome and the Lally Athletic Complex 10 days before the ceremonies: 35

  • Commencement stage details: The stage is 56 feet wide by 36 feet deep and is constructed from 39 sections of portable stage decks. The upper level ofthe stage is 6 feet high and the lower level is 4 feet high.
  • Number of feet of custom blue velour draping used as a backdrop on the various stages: 1,000

    Fruit tray

    2,400 pounds of diced fruit will be served during Commencement weekend. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

  • Approximate number of international flags displayed on either side of the stage to represent the countries and regions of faculty, staff and students at Syracuse University: 150
  • Number of ceremonies during commencement weekend: 49
  • Number of caps and gowns distributed: Over 5,000
  • Number of diploma covers and frames sold: 367
  • Number of chairs on the Dome turf field for the graduating students during Commencement: 4,000
Cupcakes with chocolate and vanilla frosting and sprinkles

Cupcakes made by the University’s bake shop. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Festive Food

  • Number of cupcakes for the various ceremonies: 8,000
  • Number of sandwiches to be served: 10,000
  • Pounds of cheese prepared: 1,500
  • Pounds of fruit diced: 2,400
  • Total gallons of lemonade, punch and iced tea made: 1,000
  • Number of people to be served brunch at Drumlins and the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center: 1,100

What to Expect

  • Anticipated high temperature for the day: 63 degrees fahrenheit (record high: 87 in 1942; record low: 30 in 1939) 

Get the App

Add the Commencement App for easy access to Commencement weekend details and to receive immediate notifications for any changes or updates to events taking place.

  • Author

Christine Grabowski

  • Recent
  • Syracuse Views Summer 2025
    Tuesday, July 1, 2025, By News Staff
  • 250 Years Later, Declaration of Independence Still Challenges, Inspires a Nation: A Conversation With Professor Carol Faulkner
    Monday, June 30, 2025, By Kathleen Haley
  • Philanthropy Driven by Passion, Potential and Purpose
    Monday, June 30, 2025, By Eileen Korey
  • Libraries Receives Grant for Book Repair Workshop
    Monday, June 30, 2025, By Cristina Hatem
  • Calling All Alumni Entrepreneurs: Apply for ’CUSE50 Awards
    Tuesday, June 24, 2025, By John Boccacino

More In Campus & Community

Libraries Receives Grant for Book Repair Workshop

Syracuse University Libraries’ Department of Access and Resource Sharing received a Central New York Library Resources Council Catalyst Grant for $2,000 to provide train-the-trainer workshops on book repair to local school district media specialists. Preservation librarian Marianne Hanley submitted the…

Boom! Where to Watch Fireworks in CNY This Fourth of July

Get ready to light up your Independence Day with a bang! From lakeside launches to park-side pyrotechnics, Central New York (CNY) is bursting with fireworks displays to celebrate the Fourth of July. Here’s your guide to the best local shows…

Retiring University Professor and Decorated Public Servant Sean O’Keefe G’78 Reflects on a Legacy of Service

For most of his time as a public servant, Sean O’Keefe G’78 adhered to a few guiding principles: Step up when someone calls upon you to serve. Be open to anything. Challenge yourself. Those values helped O’Keefe navigate a career…

Jorge Morales ’26 Named a 2025 Beinecke Scholar

Jorge Morales ’26, a double major in history and anthropology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs with a minor in English and textual studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been awarded the highly competitive…

Registration Open for Esports Campus Takeover Hosted by University and Gen.G

Syracuse University and global esports and gaming organization Gen.G have opened general registration at campustakeover.gg for its first Campus Takeover Sept. 20-21. The two-day conference will bring students and administrators to Syracuse to highlight career opportunities within the esports industry…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.