College Commencements Bring Thousands to Town

Visit South Bend Mishawaka says nearly 33,000 visitors will travel to the area this month for college commencements. More than 20,000 are expected at the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College graduation ceremonies this weekend.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Home to more than five university and college campuses, our community is in the midst of a major influx of visitors as proud family members and friends travel to South Bend and Mishawaka to see their loved ones graduate. Roughly 11,000 visitors have already come to the area to experience the 2015 commencement season, according to university reports. Another 22,000 are expected to be in the stands this weekend as University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College students accept their degrees.

Commencement season will come to a close when Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame graduate a collective 3,394 young women and men from their undergraduate programs.

“The sheer number of students that graduate from this collection of campuses each year is proof alone that South Bend and Mishawaka are truly collegiate communities,” says Rob DeCleene, executive director of Visit South Bend Mishawaka. “Commencement Season, as we like to call it, is always a great time in our area, and we welcome the families visiting their loved ones at this special time, and we congratulate all of the young men and women who are graduating this spring.”

Commencement Season began the first weekend of May, with 475 students completing their degrees at Bethel College in Mishawaka. Holy Cross College soon followed with 80 graduates accepting their degrees on Saturday, May 9. IU South Bend held its commencement ceremony on Tuesday, May 12 with 1,054 graduates being honored.

The estimated 30,000 family members and friends of these roughly-5,000 graduates making their way to town for this special occasion will significantly impact the local economy. Hotels, dining establishments, shops and attractions are all sure to experience a boost during this high-traffic time in our community.

Source: Visit South Bend Mishawaka