March 1, 2017 | Loretta Waldman - UConn Communications

Caps & Gowns Changing From Black to Blue

The blue gowns could also be referred to as 'green.' Each is made from about 23 recycled plastic water bottles.

From left, Christopher Chapman '17 (CLAS), Isabel Nip '17 (CLAS), Danielle Deschene '17 (CLAS), and Shaharyar Zuberi '17 (CLAS) wear the new blue commencement caps and gowns while posing next to the Husky statue. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

From left, Christopher Chapman '17 (CLAS), Isabel Nip '17 (CLAS), Danielle Deschene '17 (CLAS), and Shaharyar Zuberi '17 (CLAS) wear the new blue commencement caps and gowns while posing next to the Husky statue. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

The sea of graduates assembled for this year’s commencement ceremonies may bear more of a resemblance to an actual sea than in previous years.

The traditional black robes in use since the University started using caps and gowns in 1907, are being replaced with robes of a new color: navy blue.

There is no momentous reason for switching colors other than the fact that the University’s cap and gown vendor, Oak Hall, offered another option – a shade of deep blue that is close to UConn’s color, said Cara Workman, director of university events and conference services.

The gowns also have a “green” aspect to them.

Each gown in Oak Hill’s GreenWeaver line is made from recycled water bottles – about 23 bottles per gown. The gowns are lighter weight and wrinkle-resistant but ironing, for obvious reasons, is not recommended. On the upside: after graduation, the gowns can be recycled.

The new gowns went on sale at the UConn Bookstore the week of March 20. By the end of the week, which included a two-day Grad Fair, an estimated 1,900 gowns had been purchased, said Rob Dunnack, an assistant manager at the bookstore.

Xinyi Cui, a business major, gave the new look a thumbs-up when she picked up her gown. “It’s like the UConn color, so I like it,” she said.

Another senior, environmental sciences major Nathan Gallo, perked up upon learning the gowns are made from recyclables.

The change applies to gowns for undergraduate and graduate students. It will not, however, be instituted in all ceremonies, Workman said. Professional schools, the School of Law, and UConn Health graduates will continue wearing black caps and gowns.

Nor does the change impact other popular commencement traditions, she said. The practice of decorating caps is a way to personalize commencement attire and express Husky Pride, or send a message of thanks to family members or friends and mentors at UConn.

“The Commencement Office encourages graduates to decorate their caps using any medium,” Workman said.

Return to UConn Today for a photo gallery of decorated caps on Monday, May 8.