Congrats,
Class of 2024

Saturday, May 11, 2024
1:30 p.m.
Alumni Athletics Convocation Center, Bill Greehey Arena

Tickets
Parking
law commencement
Venue Regulations

St. Mary’s University Spring 2024 Ceremony Information

  • Graduate Check-In Information

    • Check in at Noon in the Quad.
    • Academic Procession begins in the Quad.
    • In the case of inclement weather, check in will occur in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center, Auxiliary Gym.
    • Wear your cap and gown.
      • Bachelor’s students, don’t forget your St. Mary’s University sash.
      • Master’s students, wear your hoods.

  • Important Reminders for Graduates

    • Only approved cords and sashes may be worn. 
    • Caps may not be decorated for the ceremony.
    • Wear sensible shoes; you’ll be walking across campus and to the arena.
    • Don’t bring guests with you — they should go to the arena to be seated. The procession will be televised inside the arena.
    • Leave personal belongings at home or with your family.

Commencement Speaker

The University’s Commencement address will be given by Kevin L. Matula (B.A. ‘14). Matula is a Karnes City native and a leader in the government relations and public affairs space. Matula previously worked in the Texas House of Representatives and has tenure at three large companies headquartered in San Antonio, including his current position at USAA. He serves as the Chair for the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and has established a scholarship for interns enrolled in the Texas Legislative Internship program. Matula is highly engaged in efforts that support the community’s well-being and is active in nonprofit service through boards and committees devoted to business, commerce, social services, the arts and education programs.

Kevin L. Matula Biography

Kevin L. Matula (B.A. ’14) is a leader in the government relations and public affairs space. Matula previously worked in the Texas House of Representatives and has tenure at three large companies headquartered in San Antonio — Zachry Group, CPS Energy and his current position at USAA, where he serves as the Director of Government Relations Matula developed his passion for his work while at St. Mary’s University where he earned a B.A. in Political Science. As a student, he began developing his leadership skills as a President’s Ambassador and as a legislative staffer working for a Texas State Representative. Since then, Matula established a scholarship for interns enrolled in the Texas Legislative Internship program. 

Today, Matula is highly engaged in efforts that support the community’s well-being and is active in nonprofit service through boards and committees devoted to business, commerce, social services, the arts and education programs. He serves as the Chair for the Advisory Council for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and serves on a Board of Trustees Standing Committee.

Commencement Speaker

Tickets

Due to limited seating in the Bill Greehey Arena, commencement tickets are required for admission. Each graduating student approved in the Spring Commencement will receive an email for the number of tickets they will receive.

Only for the Spring semesters to accommodate additional guests, overflow seating will be available in the University Center, Tom and Mona Mengler Conference Room, where guests will view a live broadcast of the ceremony. No tickets are required to enter the University Center. Immediately following the ceremony, all guests will reunite with the graduates outside the Arena.

For guests unable to attend, please note that the commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on our website. Visit the livestream page to check technical requirements or to watch the ceremony.

Children age 3 and under do not need tickets provided they can sit upon an adult’s lap for the duration of the ceremony.

Each graduating student approved for Commencement will receive an email for the number of tickets they will receive.

Venue Regulations

Bill Greehey Arena does not allow noisemakers, confetti, flags, balloons, posters, banners or other items that will cause view obstruction or distract from the program.

Additionally, in order to maintain a safe and secure environment, we have implemented a bag check policy. All bags are subject to search and inspection before entering the facility.

Guests failing to comply with the above policies will be asked to return their bags and/or items to their vehicle or be denied entry.

  • Parking

    Commencement guests can park in the following lots:

Tickets, Parking and Venue Regulations

A few sections for guests in wheelchairs are available along the second level of Bill Greehey Arena. For individuals who plan to sit in this section, they will be allowed one person to remain with them in the area. Due to limited seats, seating in these sections is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Wheelchair Accommodations

  • Baccalaureate Mass

    Graduating students of all faiths are invited to attend Baccalaureate Mass. The Rev. John Thompson, S.M., Ed.D., Vice President for Mission at St. Mary’s University, will celebrate the Mass. Afterwards, graduates and their guests are invited to a wine and cheese reception.

    Friday, May 10, 2024
    5:30 p.m.
    Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center, Bill Greehey Arena

    Baccalaureate Mass rsvp

  • St. Mary’s University School of Law Commencement

    The St. Mary’s School of Law Spring 2024 Commencement will be separate from the St. Mary’s University Commencement. School of Law ceremony details are listed below. 

    Saturday, May 18, 2024 
    1 p.m. 
    Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center, Bill Greehey Arena 

Photos from Past Commencements

St. Mary's U Fall Commencement 2023

Questions?

For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at graduation@stmarytx.edu.

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