McNeese Graduates to Geaux Blue at Commencement

The McNeese State University graduating class of fall 2017 will be the first to “Geaux Blue” at commencement on Dec. 9 in Burton Coliseum – students receiving bachelor’s degrees will be sporting newly designed blue robes and caps with blue and gold tassels.

The new look – which also includes the black robes worn by those receiving master’s and education specialist degrees – will be unveiled at Fall Grad Fest on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in Parra Ballroom in the Holbrook Student Union Annex (New Ranch).

The blue robes will feature the McNeese “M” on the front while the black robes will feature blue piping down the front and the McNeese seal.

Hailey Goodwin, Brandon Soram and Austin Pottorff model McNeese’s new commencement regalia.

Donna Martin, director of the McNeese Bookstore, said the idea to switch to custom regalia was presented by McNeese President Dr. Daryl Burckel.

“Dr. Burckel wanted to make the commencement ceremony more memorable for those graduating and for those watching the graduation,” said Martin. “With the new regalia, we are embracing the school colors while maintaining the tradition of commencement.”

The new regalia designs were approved by the university commencement committee and Martin said there is excitement about the unveiling.  “We think the students will like this new colorful look.”

Also at Grad Fest, students can order graduation announcements and class rings, have graduation pictures taken, pay any outstanding fees and talk with representatives from graduate school, the alumni association, the McNeese Credit Union, career and student development center and scholarships and testing.

Fall Grad Fest is sponsored by the McNeese Alumni Association