Convocation

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Convocation

Friday, Aug. 23 | 3:30 p.m.

Alumni Sports & Fitness Center
929 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603

Doors open: 2 p.m. 
No tickets are required. Limited seating is available, first come, first served.


A convocation from the Latin word convocare or "to call/come together" is generally known by U.S. colleges and universities as a gathering to start the academic year.

Franklin & Marshall College continues this established tradition of honoring the incoming class of students and has celebrated the beginning of the student’s academic careers. The all-College Convocation Ceremony embraces the former purpose of Convocation and serves as an opportunity for the entire College Community to observe formally the opening of the academic year.

The 2024 Convocation Ceremony will be available by live-stream beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, August 23. An on-demand recording  will be available Monday, August 26.

Lux et Lex Walk

Tuesday, Aug. 27 | 4:30 p.m.


Together, the five F&M College Houses gather on Hartman Green and ceremonious walk beneath the metal archway inscribed with Lux et Lex - spanning Klauder-Apple Walkway. 

The inscription translated as Light and Law captures the ethos of F&M, the campus community enthusiastically cheers and celebrates their future at F&M. The Class of 2028 will walk through the archway from Hartman Green toward Old Main, and upon the 2028 Commencement, the same cohort will pass under the arch in the opposite direction to complete the tradition. Walking in and out as Diplomats Forever.

Lux Et Lex Walk with President Altmann

F&M President Barbara K. Altmann welcomes first-year students during the 2022 Lux Et Lex walk. (Image by Deb Grove)