... documenting the history of the University of Delaware
Annual Commencement of Delaware College 1848
A Glory to the State
Delaware College Commencement Program
University of Delaware Archives and Records Management
1848
Four students received their degrees at the first Commencement ceremonies for Newark College, held in 1836. Early commencement ceremonies included music and speeches by the graduates, faculty and invited speakers, as well as the conferring of degrees. Alumni of the College returned to dine with graduates and faculty, and to hold their own meeting on the day of graduation. Classes remained small through the 1850s; for example, in 1848, only six students graduated.