175 Commencements

Bucknell, initially known as the University at Lewisburg, held its first Commencement August 20, 1851. Seven men earned degrees before an audience that included future U.S. President James Buchanan. The University was described as “carved out of the wilds of Pennsylvania,” which wasn’t just poetic. The trek from Philadelphia involved a 25-hour journey by stagecoach, canal boat and train.

Bucknell’s first seven graduates shared a single academic gown, exchanging it behind the platform before stepping up to deliver their speeches. Caps and gowns became the standard in 1891; their use before then was debated. By the 1890-91 academic year, students had embraced the tradition, seeing it as a symbol of academic success. A look through our archives reveals the timelessness of this custom. Grads from each decade share the same look. Only their hairstyles and shoes — and the attire of family members — hint at the changing eras.

Bucknell’s first ceremony was held in the Academy Building (now Taylor Hall), following a procession that began at old Lewisburg Baptist Church, where classes were first held. From 1855 to 1857, the festivities were held in the Grove. By 1858, the event had shifted indoors to Old Main (now Roberts Hall). When Bucknell Hall opened in 1886 with funding from William Bucknell, the Commencement procession began there before ascending to Old Main. In 1926, the ceremony moved to the College Quadrangle, with the porch of the Carnegie Building serving as the platform. Starting in 1933, Hunt Hall became the backdrop. By 1938, Commencement moved indoors to the newly constructed Davis Gymnasium. It remained there until 1970, when the ceremony moved to the Academic Quadrangle, now known as Malesardi Quadrangle. Today, seniors participate in a Commencement Eve candlelighting ceremony. On Commencement Day, they process through the Christy Mathewson Gates.

In 1851, Bucknell became the first U.S. institution to award an honorary doctorate. Since then, Bucknell has honored a variety of achievers, including composer and songwriter Irving Berlin H’40 (above, farthest left) and 38th Vice President of the United States Hubert Humphrey H’68 (above, farthest right).

In 1851, Bucknell became the first U.S. institution to award an honorary doctorate. Since then, Bucknell has honored a variety of achievers, including composer and songwriter Irving Berlin H’40 (top, left) and 38th Vice President of the United States Hubert Humphrey H’68 (bottom, right).

Bucknell’s history includes wartime disruptions. In 1863, students formed the University Guards to defend Harrisburg from Confederate soldiers. Commencement was almost canceled, but the seniors returned just in time for the ceremony. During World War II, Bucknellians again answered the call to serve. From 1943 to 1946, the University hosted a Navy V-12 training unit, where aspiring officers trained while fast-tracking their bachelor’s degrees.

Women had studied at the University since its founding, but primarily in secondary education programs in the Female Institute, a seminary affiliated with the University. In 1885, Chella Scott became Bucknell’s first female graduate. Scott’s achievement occurred when higher education for women was still a relatively new concept.

In 1875, Edward McKnight Brawley became the first Black student to earn a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell. Brawley went on to become a minister, religious scholar and journalist who served as the president of Selma University and Morris College.