MISSION & HISTORY

WHO WE ARE

The North American Association of Commencement Officers, Inc. (NAACO) was founded in 2000 to promote excellence in the administration and management of academic ceremonies and to foster high standards of excellence and cooperation with related organizations and industries that are centered around commencements and convocations. Created by commencement planners for commencement planners, the exchange of ideas and information has remained a critical element of the organization’s success. The first annual inaugural conference was held in 2001 in Tempe, Arizona with 75 participants attending. Current conferences bring together an average of more than 300 professionals to discuss a broad spectrum of topics in locations extending from Toronto to Honolulu. NAACO Co-founder Melissa Werner from Arizona State University continues to be an active member of NAACO as do many other committed individuals who have helped to build the association through the years. NAACO was incorporated in 2007 in the state of Illinois and has operated primary offices in the state of Arizona, Illinois, New Jersey, and is currently based in Maryland.

NAACO’s dedication to our mission includes:

Creating and administrating the NAACO certificate for Academic
Professionals.

Maintaining a members-only, online forum to allow for the free exchange of ideas, recommendations for service providers, the opportunity to ask questions of peers regarding best practices, and sharing of institutional experiences.

Providing remote learning opportunities

PURPOSE & VISION

Our core purpose is to provide the structure and opportunity for the exchange of information through an established comprehensive network of resources, experts, industry professionals, and academic colleagues from across the North American continent. Our vision is to engage the broader academic community in the unique and valuable role that academic ceremonies play in defining, communicating and protecting the cultural values and traditions of an institution. The mission of NAACO is achieved through the strategic plan. The current strategic plan was developed by the Board of Directors in 2021. With the plan in place, the work of the Board of Directors, committees and volunteers serves measurable objectives that meet the long-term vision of the association.

HISTORY

The North American Association of Commencement Officers, Inc. (NAACO) was founded in 2000 to promote excellence in the administration and management of academic ceremonies and to foster high standards of excellence and cooperation with related organizations and industries that are centered around commencements and convocations. Created by commencement planners for commencement planners, the exchange of ideas and information has remained a critical element of the organization’s success. The first annual conference was held in 2001 in Tempe, Arizona with 75 participants attending. Current conferences bring together an average of more than 300 professionals to discuss a broad spectrum of topics in locations extending from Toronto to Honolulu. NAACO Co-founder Melissa Werner from Arizona State University continues to be an active member of NAACO as do many other committed individuals who have helped to build the association through the years. NAACO was incorporated in 2007 in the state of Illinois and has operated primary offices in the state of Arizona, Illinois, New Jersey, and is currently based in Maryland.

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