By Cameron Beck and Amy McIff, Auxiliary Business Development

Members of the Class of 2017 who are eligible to walk in May’s commencement ceremonies, now is the time to order your cap, gown, college regalia and pick them up at Grad Fair. You can also choose from other graduation items like diploma frames, announcements and other Utah memorabilia. The U’s annual Grad Fair will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 30 through April 1, at the University Campus Store. Prices will increase after April 1, so graduates are encouraged to attend Grad Fair to get everything they need before finals begin and graduation day approaches.

Grad Fair is a great resource for students and families as it brings together the many vendors and products that grads need to make their commencement celebration memorable. Graduates can browse options for class rings and jewelry, personalized announcements and snap photos with their family and friends at the fair’s photo booth. Parents can place orders for commencement flowers like leis and bouquets to surprise their special student on graduation day.

This year, Grad Fair attendees will receive a ‘passport card’ that will be stamped at each of the fair’s vendor tables. If grads collect all 8 stamps, they can drop their passport into a collection box for a chance to win prizes and memorabilia such as diploma frames, customized announcements and other Utah items. Drawings will take place every afternoon.

You can skip the lines and pre-order your regalia and gown online at CampusStore.utah.edu before March 30. The Campus Store now offers Utah-branded gowns, which feature a ‘Block U’ logo on the sleeve, helping you stand out from the crowd.

The University of Utah encourages all of its graduating seniors to participate in the crowning moment of their collegiate achievements by walking in commencement ceremonies. Graduation is an important part of commemorating your hard work and dedication and setting the stage for your post-graduate future.

Grad Fair is more than just an opportunity to get your commencement day items, it’s also a chance to prepare for your post-graduation future with the help of the University of Utah Alumni Association and Career Services. Join the ranks of your fellow and prestigious Utah Alumni and get started on your career search with some help from the professionals in U Career Services.

From the University Campus Store and its Grad Fair partners, congratulations to the Class of 2017 on your amazing achievements; welcome to the University of Utah Alumni family. Best of luck on graduation day and in the meantime, keep an eye on your email for more information about Grad Fair.

And as part of University of Utah tradition, make sure to sign the Block U before leaving the Campus Store.

2017 Grad Fair dates and times are:

Thursday, March 30:  7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, March 31:  7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 1: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.