May Commencement is at Lawlor

K. Patricia Bouweraerts
Commencement 2016 Image

Commencement 2017 will take place on May 12 at Lawlor Events Center. Pictured is the May 2016 Ceremony.

The graduation rate at Truckee Meadows Community College has been increasing to record percentages year after year since 2009, resulting in the need to move ever-larger graduating classes to higher-capacity venues.

“There has been consistent and robust growth in completion of certificates and degrees—a result of the hard work of our students, and dedicated efforts of both the academic and student services departments teaching and supporting our students,” said Elena Bubnova, Executive Director of Institutional Research, Analysis and Effectiveness.

She added that the completion rate shows a persistent climb.

“The graduation rate has grown by more than 15 percent since 2009,” she said.

TMCC Commencement will be held on the last day of Spring Semester:

  • When: Friday, May 12 from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Lawlor Events Center, 1664 N. Virginia St. in Reno
  • Tickets: Free (graduates need to RSVP)

Parking will be available in the six-level West Stadium Parking Complex directly next to the Lawlor Events Center.

For more information about academic attire, seating and the RSVP deadline, students are encouraged to visit TMCC's Admissions and Records Commencement Information.

“Lawlor is a great venue that is very spacious, ensuring all graduates are able to get together and celebrate this amazing life event with their families and friends,” Bubnova said. “Many in the College community enjoy extended families with members who travel long distances to join them on their special day.”

Growth in Ceremony Participation

Commencement has taken place at a large local venue since May 2011 because of the sizable increase in graduates, growing beyond the physical site capacity to accommodate this ceremony at TMCC’s Dandini Campus.

The College hosted May graduation ceremonies on Campus until the year 2010.

In the 2009-10 academic year, 988 total degrees and certificates were conferred, and in May 2010 about 370 participated in Commencement, according to data from the Institutional Research, Analysis and Effectiveness Office and the Admissions and Records Office.

In contrast, for the 2015-16 academic year, there were close to 1,440 degrees and certificates conferred, with more than 508 walking across the stage. May Commencement took place at the event spaces of the Peppermill Resort Spa and Casino in Reno. During the years 2011–2013, the ceremony was held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, and in 2014 and 2015 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.

For more information about TMCC’s 2017 Commencement, please contact Admissions and Records at 775-673-7042.