Candle and Rose FAQs

Candle and Rose is a ceremony for graduating students who are graduating in May 2024, August 2024, December 2024 or graduated in January 2024. 

To participate in the Candle and Rose ceremony, you need to register both yourself and your Rose by April 12. A sign-up form will be sent via email in March.

  • Graduating students (symbolized by the Candle) choose someone to be their Rose. The Rose is someone that represents the meaning of Caritas—Love and Compassion—to you.
  • Traditionally, Roses were undergraduate students who the seniors would pass the Light of Truth (Candle) to during the ceremony.
  • Your Rose does not have to be a current Dominican student but should be at least 13 years of age.
  • Guests are invited to attend—no tickets required. The ceremony is outdoors in the Quad (dress appropriately for the weather) and there is limited seating. Standing room is also available.
  • If the ceremony needs to move inside due to weather, participating seniors will have only two family/guests inside the Lund Auditorium for the ceremony. 
  • The ceremony will be streamed live for those not able to attend in person. Visit the livestream page.
  • Graduating students must wear their cap and gown for the Candle and Rose ceremony. You do not wear any honor cords or a hood.
  • Since the ceremony is in the Quad, participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and walking in the Quad. The Quad is uneven, and it is recommended to be mindful of your shoe choice as heels tend to sink into the grass as participants (Candles and Roses) will stand for the duration of the ceremony.
  • The Candle and Rose ceremony is a formal ceremony and roses are encouraged to dress appropriately, business casual. Jeans are not appropriate. Jackets may be worn. Graduating students should wear a sweater or jacket under their robe.
  • All graduating students participating in Candle and Rose are required to wear a black cap and gown. It is your responsibility to purchase or borrow a cap and gown to participate in the ceremony. 
  • Regalia ordering information is accessible in the Canvas course.
  • Registered graduating students (Candles) and their Roses will be sent additional information before the event.
  • Please plan to be on campus and fully ready by 7:15 p.m.
  • Leave all personal items at home or in your vehicle.
  • There will not be a rehearsal for Candle and Rose.
  • Detailed instructions will be sent to registered graduating students in advance via Dominican email.
  • It is your responsibility to communicate instructions to your Rose, as Dominican will only communicate with registered graduating students (Candles).
  • Participants will be notified of any location changes no later than 12:00 pm the day of Candle & Rose via Dominican email. The indoor location is Lund Auditorium.
  • If the ceremony needs to move inside due to weather, participating graduating students will have only two family members/guests inside the Lund Auditorium for the ceremony.
  • The ceremony will be streamed live for those not able to attend in person. Visit the livestream page.

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