Golden Graduates FAQs

We are excited you will be joining us for this memorable occasion! RSVPs are required for all Golden Graduates and their guests. There are three convenient ways to RSVP:

• RSVP Online (preferred)
• Call the Alumni Association at 850.474.2758
• Email alumni@uwf.edu

There is no charge to attend this event, but you are encouraged to make a donation to the Golden Graduates Scholarship Endowment to support current students and honor your UWF experience.

The Golden Graduates will be part of the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony along with the current graduates. Upon check-in, Golden Graduates will be fitted into traditional graduate regalia (black cap and gown), a blue and green official UWF tassel, and a special embroidered gold stole, exclusively worn by Golden Graduates. If you participated in the Philanthropy Cord fundraiser, you will receive your cord to wear during the ceremony.

Golden Graduates will process onto the graduation floor and be recognized by the announcer. You will sit in the front few rows of chairs and have an up-close view of the entire ceremony.  If you need mobility assistance or use a wheelchair, cane or walker, please let our staff know as soon as possible by emailing alumni@uwf.edu or calling 850.474.2758.

After the ceremony is over, the Golden Graduates will pose for a group photo with the University President, Manny Diaz Jr. Our staff will then lead you to the luncheon room on the 2nd floor of the Bay Center to be reunited with your guest(s) and enjoy a buffet meal.

RSVP for the Golden Graduate celebration today!

The ceremony and luncheon will be hosted at the Pensacola Bay Center (201 E Gregory St, Pensacola, FL 32502).

The ceremony will start at 10 a.m. with lunch immediately following the ceremony.

Yes! You will receive a parking pass in the mail that can be used to park in the front parking lot of the Pensacola Bay Center. A map will be included. If we have your email address, an electronic version will also be sent to you to print. There is ample handicap parking in this parking lot, as well.

Golden Graduates will need to report by 9:30 a.m. to the meeting area on the ground floor of the Bay Center.

Enter the Bay Center through the ground-level main entrance doors. Our check-in table and meeting area is right inside these doors. Golden Graduates and guests will get checked in, and guests will be escorted to VIP Section 130 to watch the ceremony.

Please note the Bay Center doors do not open until 9 a.m.

The dress for the event is business casual. The Pensacola Bay Center can be very cold due to ice down under the flooring of the arena for the Pensacola Ice Flyers hockey team. Wear comfortable shoes. Regalia (the traditional black graduation cap and gown) will be provided upon check-in and our staff will be available to assist you. If you have your own regalia, you are encouraged to wear it! Please let our staff know that you will be providing your own cap and gown.

You will be provided with an embroidered gold stole and blue and green tassel to wear during the ceremony. The stole and tassel are gifts to you from your friends at the UWF Alumni Association! If you participated in the Philanthropy Cord fundraiser for the Golden Graduate Endowment, you will also receive your cord to wear.

If you bring a jacket, purse or other personal items, our staff will collect those items before you process onto the floor. Rest assured that someone will be with your items at all times, and you will be reunited with your belongings at the luncheon.

All Golden Graduate guests will sit in VIP section 130 on the upper level. There will be staff and volunteers available to assist your guests in finding their seats.

One of my guests is handicapped. Is there ADA access to VIP section 130? Please let us know as soon as possible if a guest needs special seating accommodations by emailing alumni@uwf.edu or calling 850.474.2758. There will be access to an elevator on the ground floor and there is ADA seating close to section 130.

The luncheon will be hosted at the Pensacola Bay Center on the 2nd floor. Golden Graduates will be escorted from the ceremony up to the luncheon. Guests seated in VIP section 130 will be escorted by volunteers to the 2nd floor luncheon location. The luncheon will last between 60 and 90 minutes.

Golden Graduates and guests will be joined by UWF VIPs for a buffet lunch. There will be opportunities for photos and mingling with classmates and families.

Please notify Alumni Association staff as soon as you can if you or anyone in your party has an allergy or dietary restriction. Email alumni@uwf.edu or call 850.474.2758.

If you are traveling from out of town, please consider staying at one of our Athletics sponsor hotels. List of hotel and restaurant sponsors.

Hotels may offer a special UWF rate. Please ask the hotel staff when booking.

The Alumni Association is excited to offer a campus tour for Golden Graduates and their guests! Revisit your time as a student and see the transformation of the campus - including a new football stadium!

Campus Tour hosted by University Student Ambassadors

Friday, December 11, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

RSVP to Teresa Burgess at 850.474.2423 or email alumni@uwf.edu. Tours will be via golf cart.

To support the Golden Graduate Scholarship program, you can make a donation in the following ways:

• Give securely online.
• Mail a check made out to UWF Foundation, Inc. and add "Golden Graduate Endowment" to the memo line. The UWF Foundation's address is 11000 University Parkway, Building 12, Pensacola, FL 32514.
• Email development@uwf.edu if you would like someone from the UWF Development team to reach out to you about making a planned gift to UWF.

For more information about the endowment, email development@uwf.edu.

With a donation of $19.76 or more, Golden Graduates have the exclusive opportunity to receive a special blue and green Philanthropy Cord (pictured) to wear during the ceremony. Your gift honors the Class of 1976 while supporting the University and the students who follow in your footsteps.

If you are not able to attend the ceremony, we will mail your cord to your home at no extra charge.

This year, the Class of 2026 is participating in a similar philanthropy tradition, with graduating seniors making gifts of $20.26 to receive their cords. When you wear your cord alongside the newest generation of Argos, you’ll be part of a special connection between the Class of 1976 and the Class of 2026—50 years apart, but united by your UWF experience and your commitment to giving back.

Donate during registration or using our secure online form. If you choose to mail a check, please write "Golden Graduate Endowment" on the memo line and enclose a note saying that you want a Philanthropy Cord. Questions? Email alumni@uwf.edu.