Have a good morning and stay for lunch!

Guests arriving early for the ceremony may purchase coffee and light refreshments.

Coffee & Pastry Stands: Open 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. located on Campus Walk in front of Lee Hall and the Cedric Rucker University Center, Ball Circle Patio.

Commencement Luncheon

May 9, 2026 – 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Cedric Rucker University Center, First Floor Lobby and Chandler Ballroom

Enjoy a buffet luncheon prepared by our University of Mary Washington Catering team. Tickets are required and may be purchased in advance online through May 5.

All guests and graduates must present a ticket to dine at the luncheon. See details below.

Menu

Chef Rigoberto’s Seasoned & Salt-Brined Fried Chicken
Contains wheat & gluten
Gluten-Free Chicken Available Upon Request

Cheesy Mac and Cheese – Vegetarian
Contains milk, wheat, soy & gluten

Garden Vegetable Salad – Vegan
Contains wheat & gluten
Served with your choice of:
Ranch Dressing (Vegetarian – contains milk & soy) or
Balsamic Vinaigrette (Vegan)

Orzo Salad – Vegan
Contains wheat & gluten

Zucchini, Squash, Bean and Quinoa Casserole – Vegan
No allergens

Watermelon and Berry Salad – Vegetarian
With a Basil, Honey & Citrus Dressing
Contains honey

Cornbread Muffins – Vegetarian
Contains milk, wheat, soy & gluten

Assorted Cookies and Dessert Bars – Vegetarian
Contains milk, wheat, soy, eggs & gluten
Gluten-Free / Vegan Cookies Available Upon Request

Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, Lemonade, and Water

*Our menu indicates the major allergens contained in each dish. Please review the menu carefully before ordering your luncheon tickets. If you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions not addressed here, please contact Leslie Jacobs (LJacobs@UMW.edu) or call 540-654-1931 for more information.

Advanced Online Tickets

Adults: $18 including tax

Children ages 4-10: $9.75 including tax

Children under age 4: No charge

Advanced tickets are available to order online through May 5.

  • Tickets ordered by May 1 will be mailed to the purchaser’s home
  • Tickets ordered May 2-5 will be held for pick up on Commencement Day (May 9) at the “Will Call” table in front of Lee Hall from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.