Convocation is a Penn tradition that dates in its modern form to around 1894 (and, on an informal basis, earlier). Though the format may have changed over the years, this event is a significant marker in the lives of Penn undergraduates. This is the first ceremony for the entire incoming Class of 2027. They will come together again on Hey Day in their junior year, and at Commencement in their senior year.

Convocation 2023

THE RED AND BLUE, University of Pennsylvania School Song

By William J. Goeckel, Class of 1896, and Harry E. Westervelt, Class of 1898.

Come all ye loyal classmates now, in hall and campus through,
Lift up your hearts and voices for the royal Red and Blue.
Fair Harvard has her crimson, old Yale her colors too,
But for dear Pennsylvania, we wear the Red and Blue.

(Chorus)
Hurrah! Hurrah! Pennsylvania!
Hurrah for the Red and the Blue;
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
Hurrah for the Red and Blue.

Recording by the Penn Band and Glee Club.

black and white photo of 1913 Penn Convocation ceremony
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Convocation photos spanning over one hundred years starting with 1913. Archive photos are courtesy of the University Archives.
black and white photo of 1918 graduation visitors on campus green
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Photo courtesy of the University Archives from the 1918 Convocation ceremony.
1940 students walking down steps at Convocation ceremony.
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Photo courtesy of the University Archives from the 1940 Convocation ceremony.
black and white 1960s photo of well-dressed students walking on sidewalk
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Photo courtesy of the University Archives from the 1960 Convocation ceremony.
2010 choral group lined up in blue blazers, ties and tan pants
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2010 Penn Convocation ceremony.
young women in dresses gathered outside
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2010 Penn Convocation ceremony.
students seated in stadium seating 2011
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2011 Penn Convocation ceremony.
Amy Gutmann speaking at podium during Convocation
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2011 Penn Convocation ceremony.
faculty on stage during Convocation 2013
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2013 Penn Convocation ceremony.
two smiling students
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2013 Penn Convocation ceremony.
seated students listening to speaker during Convocation 2013
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2013 Penn Convocation ceremony.
Amy Gutmann shaking hand of 2015 flag bearer
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2015 Penn Convocation ceremony.
College Hall illuminated at night with royal colors
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2015 Penn Convocation ceremony.
Amy Gutmann speaking at podium in wearing blue and red regalia
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2015 Penn Convocation ceremony.
students processional on Locust Walk past flags and balloon arches
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2021 Penn Convocation ceremony.
Outside ceremony during Convocation 2021
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2021 Penn Convocation ceremony.
Amy Gutmann addressing students Convocation 2021
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2021 Penn Convocation ceremony.
2022 Penn Convocation Ceremony.
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2022 Penn Convocation Ceremony.
2023 Penn Convocation Ceremony.
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2023 Penn Convocation Ceremony.

Address
Office of the University Secretary 
1 College Hall, Room 211
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303

Phone
Phone (215) 898-7005
Fax (215) 898-0103

Location
Campus Map