commencements

Noun

commencement (countable and uncountable, plural commencements)

1. The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; the beginning.
   • The time of Henry VII nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed modern history.

   Synonyms:

   rise, origin, beginning, start, dawn

2. The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.
3. A graduation ceremony, from a school, college or university. Sometimes before the actual graduation.