Graduation Week for the Class of 2020, and the 62st Graduating Class begins on Friday, 22 May and concludes with the Graduation Ceremony at Falcon Stadium on Thursday, 28 May.

Graduation Week is comprised of many activities and events across the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cadets and their guests take part in receptions, award ceremonies, baccalaureate services, concerts, parades, air demonstrations, and commissioning ceremonies. The week culminates at Falcon Stadium with the Graduation Ceremony. Speakers rotate between the President of the United States, Vice President, Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Air Force.

At the close of the ceremony, cadets are dismissed and ceremoniously toss their caps into the air. Cheers and celebration are quickly silenced by the roar of the legendary Thunderbirds flying overhead to honor the graduating class. More information is available by visiting Guest information and Schedule of Events.

Graduation Highlights

A Welcome Letter from the Superintendent

Dear Families and Friends of the Class of 2020,
On behalf of the United States Air Force Academy community, I am thrilled to extend my congratulations on your cadet’s upcoming graduation!
Over the past four years, the members of the Class of 2020 have built the foundation for promising careers of service on a bedrock of education, training, and character development. As this class progressed through our challenging and interdisciplinary curriculum, they were tested in the classroom, in the squadron, and on the athletic fields. More…

U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium

The Planetarium will have a revised schedule of shows for Graduation Week:
Mon. 18 May, 12:30 p.m. Dream Big, 1:30 p.m. Fighter Pilot; Tues. 19 May, 12:30 p.m. Superpower Dogs, 1:30 p.m. Black Holes; Wed. 20 May, 12:30 p.m. Apollo 11, 1:30 p.m. Humpback Whales; Thurs. 21 May, 12:30 p.m. Robots, 1:30 p.m. Astronaut; Fri. 22 May 20, 12:30 p.m. Volcanoes, 1:30 p.m. Great Bear Rainforest; Mon. 25 May 20, 12:30 p.m. Dream Big, 1:30 p.m. Fighter Pilot; Tues. 26 May 20, 12:30 p.m. Superpower Dogs, 1:30 p.m. Black Holes; Wed. 27 May, 12:30 p.m. Apollo 11, 1:30 p.m. Humpback Whales, 2:30 p.m. Apollo 11; Thurs. 28 May, CLOSED; Fri. 29 May, 11:00 a.m. Fighter Pilot, 12:30 p.m. Volcanoes, 1:30 p.m. Great Bear Rainforest

Graduation Reception

For graduating cadets, their families, and guests. This event is held in Mitchell Hall and offers the opportunity to meet and mingle with senior USAFA staff. Tickets for the event are required.

Cadet Graduation Concert

In honor of the graduating class of 2019, the Cadet Chorale Choir, Cadet Orchestra, Schola, and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s premier a capella group “In The Stairwell” will perform a special concert for cadets, family, and guests.

Cadet Aerial Demonstrations and Graduation Parade

Watch our Wings of Blue parachute team, glider team and powered flight aircraft demonstrate various cadet-led aviation and leadership programs offered to cadets during their four years at the Academy. The parade begins immediately after the conclusion of the demonstrations. During the parade the graduating class will turn over its command of the Cadet Wing to the Class of 2020.

Graduation Ceremony

Four years of hard work and dedication have finally paid off. Join the 61st graduating class of the U.S. Air Force Academy as they receive their diplomas and commission as second lieutenants. Children (ages 7-10 only) will be allowed on the stadium floor to retrieve hats from the graduates’ hat toss at the end of the ceremony.

Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration

The USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration takes place over Falcon Stadium immediately following the graduation ceremony. The team is comprised of selected pilots assigned to demonstrate the coordination, discipline and flying ability that combat-capable pilots require to fulfill their vital role in our nation’s defense.