Golden Alumni Diploma Ceremony

Alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago (and who have not previously participated) are encouraged to join us at Homecoming for Truman State University’s annual Bulldog Forever Banquet where you can participate in the Golden Alumni Diploma Ceremony (advance registration requested). University President Sue Thomas will present each individual participating in the ceremony with a commemorative diploma, courtesy of the Truman Alumni Association. In addition to the Golden Alumni Diploma Ceremony, the celebration will include recognition of other Homecoming honorees.

Date, Time & Location

The Homecoming Celebration will be held in the Georgian Rooms of the Student Union Building on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at 6 p.m.

How the Diploma Ceremony Works

Golden Alumni will begin the evening in the Georgian Room and will be invited to eat first. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy your meal before preparing for the Golden Alumni Diploma Ceremony. At the appropriate time, staff will direct you down the hall to the Alumni Room, where we will provide graduation caps and gowns and a place to robe for the ceremony. If you wish to bring your own hood from an advanced degree, feel free to do so. If you prefer not to wear a robe, that is also perfectly acceptable.
While you are preparing in the Alumni Room, the Dogs of Distinction Awards will be presented in the Georgian Room. Once those awards have concluded, staff will cue the Golden Alumni to process back into the Georgian Room for the Diploma Ceremony, which will help bring the evening’s program to a special conclusion.
When your name is called, you will walk across the front of the Georgian Room to be presented with your commemorative diploma by University President Sue Thomas. Be sure to pause for a photo with the University photographer. Once you receive your diploma, you may move the tassel on your cap from the right to the left side. Following the ceremony, you will return your cap and gown, but you may keep your tassel as a memento of this special occasion.
We will have staff available throughout the evening to direct you through each step, so simply enjoy the celebration and your return to Truman!

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Truman’s Office of Advancement, (800) 452-6678 or (660) 785-4133, email bulldogforever@truman.edu.