On June 13, 2008, we expect more than 3,000 students, family, and friends to join us in honoring the class of 2008 at The Chicago School’s 24th Commencement ceremony.
An excerpt from President Horowitz's 2007 commencement speech:
"The people in this auditorium do not need to be convinced of the importance of what we do. It’s the people outside this building. We need you to speak for us to the people in Springfield and Washington. We need you to help educate them on such vital issues as the national disparity that persists for people seeking access to mental health services, and about advancing psychopharmacology initiatives to more states. We ask a lot of you. None of it is easy, but all of it is possible…and more important than ever."
Location
The Civic Opera House is located at 20 North Wacker Drive, on the North West corner of Wacker and Madison, two blocks north of the Sears Tower.
Guests may begin to arrive at 12:00 and will enter the Civic Opera House via the Box Office / Main Lobby entrance, located at the south end of the building on the corner of Wacker and Madison.
Cap and Gown Pickup
Commencement participants must pick up their regalia prior to the ceremony.
Caps and gowns will be available for pick-up from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. June 9-12 in Room 511 (325 N. Wells St., Chicago).
Graduate Check-In
Graduates must arrive to the Civic Opera House no later than noon. Enter via the Stage Door entrance, which is located at the north end of the building on the corner of Wacker and Washington. This entrance will take graduates directly to the check-in area (backstage) where seated portraits can be taken and line-up will occur.
From the Kennedy and Dan Ryan Expressways: Exit at Washington and go five blocks east to Wacker Drive. Turn right and go one block south to Madison.
From 290: Exit at Wacker Drive going north, using the Upper Wacker lane. Go five blocks north on Wacker to Madison.
From Lake Shore Drive: Exit at Wacker Drive going west. Continue on Wacker (it will bend south) to Madison.
Parking near the Civic Opera House
Street parking may be difficult to find however there are several parking facilities within two blocks in either direction of the Civic Opera House. Locations include the following (rates vary):
For help with planning your trip using public transportation visit the Chicago Transit Authority's CTA Trip Planner or call 312.836.7000 (TTY phone number: 312.836.4949).
Lodging
Out of town graduation candidates and guests are encouraged to reserve hotel rooms as soon as possible. We suggest the following hotels that offer a preferred rate to Chicago School visitors. Make sure to request The Chicago School rate. Rates are based upon availability and do not include the 15.4% Chicago hotel tax.
