Ceremony Information

Ceremony Information

For Families, Friends and Guests: 

In-person celebrations were cancelled during the 2020 and 2021 due to the social distancing requirements put in place to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19.

This year, we invite Green River College graduates from 2020 and 2021 to celebrate with us in person, alongside the 2022 Green River College graduates. In order to accommodate the large number of graduates wishing to participate in commencement, we will be hosting two ceremonies.

Though space for participation will be prioritized for 2022 graduates, we welcome graduates from 2020 and 2021 on a first-come, first-served basis.

2022 Commencement Ceremony Viewing Options:

 Guests of Graduates:

  • Green River College will not be issuing guest tickets for ceremony attendance; accesso ShoWare Center seating is on a first come, first served basis for all guests.
  • Please read the accesso ShoWare Center's Arena Entry Requirements before arriving at the ShoWare Center.

Contact Us

Office of the Registrar:
Phone: 253-288-3383

Commencement Information:
Phone: 253-833-9111 ext. 4740
Email: commencement@greenriver.edu

Disability Support Services:
Phone: 253-931-6460

Directions to the Event

accesso ShoWare Center
625 West James Street
Kent, WA 98032

  • From Seattle: Take I-5 south, exit 149 (Kent/Des Moines Road) turn left (east) on Kent/Des Moines Road. Follow Kent/Des Moines Road east as it becomes Willis Street.  Turn left onto 4th Avenue.  From 4th Avenue, turn left on James Street; ShoWare Center will be on your right.
  • From Tacoma: Take I-5 north, exit 149A (Kent/Des Moines Road) turn right (east) on Kent/Des Moines Road. Follow Kent/Des Moines Road east as it becomes Willis Street. Turn left onto 4th Avenue. From 4th Avenue, turn left on James Street; ShoWare Center will be on your right.
  • From Bellevue/Renton: Take SR 167 (Valley Freeway) southbound, exit Willis Street. Turn left onto Willis Street, and then turn left onto 4th Avenue.  From 4th Avenue, turn left on James Street; ShoWare Center will be on your right.
  • From North Bend: Take I-90 westbound to SR 18. Follow SR 18 to the Covington Exit. Turn right onto Kent-Kangley Road. Follow Kent-Kangley Road and turn left onto SE 256th Street. Continue down the hill which changes into Smith Street. Turn right onto 4th Avenue. From 4th Avenue, turn left on James Street; ShoWare Center will be on your right.
  • From Puyallup and Auburn: Take SR 167 (Valley Freeway) northbound, exit Willis Street. Turn right onto Willis Street, and then turn left onto 4th Avenue. From 4th Avenue, turn left on James Street; ShoWare Center will be on your right.
Navigate to ShoWare Center

Guest Parking

accesso ShoWare Center features free parking onsite, and in several lots within close walking distance. Parking spaces at the onsite parking lot are limited and are filled on a first come, first served basis, therefore arriving early is advised.

Parking for graduates and guests with disabilities is available with proper state identification onsite at the Kent ShoWare Center. Parking spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.

As a courtesy to Kent Station’s patrons, please do not leave your vehicle at Kent Station during the commencement ceremony.

Graduation Gifts

The Paper Tree Bookstore has diploma fraims, plaques, and other graduation gear available. Graduation items can be ordered using the Paper Tree Bookstore official site. Please note, some item inventory may be limited. Order your items today!

Order Graduation Gifts

Accommodations

Green River College is striving to ensure the 2022 Commencement Ceremony is accessible for all participants.

NO special arrangements are required through Disability Support Services for guests (those attending the ceremony to celebrate the graduates) needing accommodations. accesso ShoWare staff will assist guest to the designated seating area.

ShoWare ADA Information

Clear Bag Policy

The accesso ShoWare Center recently implemented a new clear bag policy. All guests are subject to a bag search and security check without exception. Security checks can include wanding, metal detectors and pat-downs.

Clear bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 6" are allowed. One gallon clear plastic Ziploc bags are also allowed. Small clutches no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are allowed.

View ShoWare Clear Bag Policy