Graduation for the Class of 2022 will be held at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, as announced by the administration this afternoon. 

The Sears Centre, recently renamed the NOW Arena, will allow for an increased number of guests at this year’s ceremony.  

With the more spacious venue, students will now be allowed to invite eight guests, instead of the maximum of five when the ceremony was held at Northwestern in years prior. 

Last year, the school was provided with a one-time opportunity to hold commencement at Soldier Field, however, the administration stated that from now on, the ceremony will be held at NOW.  

According to the administration, holding graduation at Hoffman Estates was “overwhelmingly positive” for the 2017 and 2018 ceremonies. 

“Families said they appreciated amenities including air conditioning, comfortable and plentiful seating, ADA support staff, a Jumbotron that projected each student receiving their diploma, increased security, and concessions,” they wrote in their email sent to students.

Despite the Arena having room for more families, the administration noted distance being a downside, with New Trier’s Winnetka Campus being approximately 35 miles away. 

“While we understand that going to Hoffman Estates will require more travel time for our families and staff, we are confident the venue is our best possible option and is more than accommodating for our needs,” said the email

Senior Sam Fellman is excited for the ceremony, no matter where it will take place. 

“I was expecting to be at Northwestern, but this was a nice switch-up,” said Fellman.

The ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Students and their guests may arrive an hour before. Any updates will be available on NT Commencement Web Page.