Every May, thousands of graduates, families, friends, and community members gather to celebrate Commencement Weekend and honor the achievements of our graduates on LMU’s Westchester Campus. This joyous occasion includes a series of milestone events with more than a dozen affinity-based ceremonies, pre-receptions, afterparties, and liturgies.
A recent logistics review with university colleagues, external partners, and city officials has clarified that the time has come to find another location for LMU Commencement. The Westchester Campus, with its limited ingress/egress options, can no longer accommodate the growing demands of such large-scale events. Over the past several decades, the university’s enrollments have expanded steadily, causing a commensurate increase in the size, scope, and complexity of hosting commencement season events. The university has responded to these challenges with innovative solutions to enhance the overall experience, ensuring a well-produced ceremony within reasonable time constraints.
Now, LMU will join peer institutions by hosting commencements at venues that are appropriately equipped and resourced for crowd management, traffic control, parking, safety, and security. Recognizing the magnitude of these changes, the university will embark upon a multiyear relocation plan, focusing on safety, security, and honoring our time-honored traditions.
What is Changing?
- May 2024: The LMU Loyola Law School Commencement will be the first to transition by moving to the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. This venue promises an elevated experience while maintaining the sense of community that defines LMU. We express our gratitude to Dean Brietta Clark and the law school team for serving as our pioneers.
- May 2025: Undergraduate and Graduate commencements will be relocated to new venues with the capacity to accommodate our needs to ensure memorable and safe experiences for all.
What is NOT Changing?
- Commencement Mass will remain on our LMU Westchester Campus this year and in the future.
- Affinity celebrations will remain on our LMU Westchester and LMU Loyola Law School Campuses this year and in the future.
- Undergraduate and Graduate commencements will be held on the Westchester Campus in May 2024 as planned.
This multiyear relocation plan will honor our customs, ensuring that every graduate’s milestone is celebrated with pomp, pride, and a profound sense of community. Reflecting our commitment to transparency, we are sharing this update early in our planning process. We will provide detailed information for the 2024 Commencement ceremonies soon and guidance for the 2025 Commencement ceremonies early in the next academic year. Until then, we look forward to forging new traditions with future generations of Lions.
