Ceremony Information

For Families, Friends and Guests: 

Green River College is proud to invite 2025 graduates to celebrate in person. We will be having two separate ceremonies this year in order to accommodate all graduates and their guests.

12:00pm Commencement Ceremony:

  • Date: WEDNESDAY, June 18, 2025
  • Start Time: 12:00pm
  • Doors Open to Public: 10:45am
  • Location: accesso ShoWare Center (625 W James St., Kent, WA 98032)

6:00pm Commencement Ceremony:

  • Date: WEDNESDAY, June 18, 2025
  • Start Time: 6:00pm
  • Doors Open to Public: 4:45pm
  • Location: accesso ShoWare Center (625 W James St., Kent, WA 98032)

 Guests of Graduates:

  • No tickets are required 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.
  • Limited concessions will be available to purchase.

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 accesso 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.

accesso ShoWare Center is offering reserved parking for guests.

accesso ShoWare Center Reserved Parking

Graduation Gifts

The Paper Tree Bookstore has diploma frames, 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!

Paper Tree Bookstore

Guest Accommodations

Green River College is striving to ensure the 2025 Commencement Ceremonies are accessible for all participants.

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



accesso ShoWare Center ADA Information

Clear Bag Policy

The accesso ShoWare Center has implemented a 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 accesso ShoWare Center's Clear Bag Policy