commencement

noun

Etymology: From French commencement; analyzable as commence + -ment.

1. The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; the beginning.

   “The time of Henry VII nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed modern history.”

   “Yet from the commencement of mining there have been unnoble proprietors of mines, who belonged to the class of merchants.”

2. The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.
3. A graduation ceremony, from a school, college or university. Sometimes before the actual graduation.