Commencement 2024 by the Numbers

Class of 2024 graduates celebrate on campus. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

6,727 degrees will be awarded to the Class of 2024. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

As the various celebrations begin for the Class of 2024’s Commencement weekend, there are many important details that the graduates and their families and friends need to know. But have you ever wondered what goes into the behind-the-scenes details that make up the celebrations and the work that goes into preparing for this festive weekend?

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

The youngest graduate in the Class of 2024 is 18, and the oldest is 75. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Class of 2024 Takes the Stage

• Number of students graduating (including those who have petitioned to walk at Commencement): 6,727
• Number of schools and colleges represented: 13
• Number of degrees awarded: 6,607
• Number of bachelor’s degrees: 3,543
• Number of master’s degrees: 2,746
• Number of doctoral degrees: 174
• Number of law degrees: 236
• Number of honorary degree recipients: 5
• Number of degrees and certificates that will be awarded for the first time this academic year: 6
• Average age of the Class of 2024: 25
• Age of oldest graduate: 75
• Age of youngest graduate: 18
• Number of student-athletes receiving degrees: 105
• Number of military-connected students graduating: 283
• Number of U.S. states represented by the Class of 2024: 50
• Number of countries represented: 66

Behind-the-Scenes

The Commencement stage is 56 feet wide by 44 feet deep and is constructed from 77 sections of portable stage decks. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

• 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 Athletics Complex 10 days before the ceremonies: 35
  

  150 international flags will be displayed on either side of the stage to represent the countries and regions of faculty, staff and students at Syracuse University. (Photo by Ross Knight)

• Commencement stage details: The stage is 56 feet wide by 44 feet deep and is constructed from 77 sections of portable stage decks.
• Number of feet of custom blue velour draping used as a backdrop on the various stages: 1,000
• 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
  

  50,000 students, faculty, staff and guests will attend the various Commencement week ceremonies at the Dome and Lally Complex. (Photo by Jeremy Brinn)

• Number of ceremonies during commencement weekend: 52
• Number of caps and gowns distributed: Over 5,000
• Number of diploma covers and frames sold: Over 1,000
• Number of stole of gratitude’s sold: Over 1,200
• Number of chairs on the Dome turf field for the graduating students during Commencement: 4,000
• Number of plants used during Commencement weekend as greenery (and later planted on campus after the ceremonies): More than 600
• Number of Commencement attendees that Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services will provide lodging for: 100
• What it will take to change over the Dome from Commencement to the first round of the men’s lacrosse NCAA tournament: 30 individuals working together to fill eight 30-foot box trucks in a three-hour window

What to Expect 

• Approximate number of students, faculty, staff and guests will attend the various Commencement week ceremonies at the Dome and Lally Complex: 50,000
• Anticipated high temperature for the day: 59 degrees (record high: 85 in 2022; record low: 30 in 1963)

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Congratulations to the Class of 2024 who will join more than 250,000 proud Orange alumni around the world. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)