Baccalaureate
Friday, May 2, 2008
5 - 6 p.m.
Indiana University Auditorium
1211 E. Seventh St.
Bloomington, Ind.
Baccalaureate is a traditional celebration of academic achievement held the day before Commencement on IU's Bloomington campus. It is open to all members of the graduating class and their parents, friends, and families. No tickets are required.
The word baccalaureate is steeped in academic tradition. Stemming from at least the eighth century, it has come to refer not only to the degree that is awarded at Commencement, but also to a spiritual observance that celebrates achievement, accomplishment, and aspiration. At Indiana University, records show that a baccalaureate celebration has been held prior to Commencement for at least 166 years.
In 2002, a campuswide committee restructured the traditional baccalaureate ceremony into an event that recognized the many faith traditions represented on the Bloomington campus. The resulting celebration includes readings, music, and prayers drawn from the teachings and practices of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.