Graduation & Commencement

May 3, 2025

last updated April 2, 2025

Attention Graduates:  As part of your graduation requirements, please complete the Graduation Outcomes Survey before attending rehearsal. Submission of this survey is required for participation in the day's events. If you have not completed the survey in advance, staff will be available to assist you prior to rehearsal. 

Friday, May 2

1:45 p.m.

Rehearsal

Presser Hall (see campus map →)

Graduation Preparation Details:

• Seating Chart: Please refer to the seating chart sent to your Bethany email during the week of April 28.
• Cap, Gown, and Alumni-Advancement Gift Pickup: These items will be distributed at rehearsal following the completion of your Graduation Outcomes Survey.
• Alternate Pickup Option: If you are unable to attend rehearsal, you may pick up your cap, gown, and Alumni-Advancement gift on Saturday, May 3, at 9:00 AM in Presser Hall.

2:30 p.m.

Senior & Parent Social

Mabee Welcome Center (see campus map →)

Please join as we celebrate the accomplishments of the 2025 graduating class of Bethany College. Graduates, parents, faculty, board members, and staff are invited to share favorite Bethany memories and plans for the future.

6:30 p.m.

Honors Banquet *invitation only 

Sandzen Memorial Art Gallery (see campus map →)

Saturday, May 3

Learn more about the Baccalaureate & Commencement Speakers

 (Press Release→)

9:30 a.m.

Breakfast

Bethany Lutheran Church (directions →)
Continental Breakfast on the lawn, provided by the congregation.

10:10 a.m

Baccalaureate Lineup

Bethany Lutheran Church (directions →)

Assemble on the west side of Bethany Lutheran Church. (Rain location: 3rd floor, Presser Hall) More information here.

10:15 a.m.

Processional March from Bethany Lutheran Church to Presser Hall.

10:30 a.m.

Baccalaureate Service

Presser Hall (see campus map →)

As part of Bethany's Lutheran heritage, we gather for worship before commencement activities. The service will include music, scripture readings, preaching, and prayers. Performances by Bethany music ensembles are also part of the festivities.

11:45 a.m. –12:45 p.m.

Swedish Luncheon

Pihlblad Memorial Union (see campus map →)

• Adults: $10.00 + tax
  Children (12 & under): $5.00 + tax
  Young children (4 & under): Free
• No reservations required; credit cards and cash accepted. Meal swipes available for graduates with meal plans.

Lunch Menu

• Salad Bar with a Touch of Sweden
• Carved Ham
• Swedish Meatballs
• Aubergines au Gratin (baked cheese stuffed eggplant)
• Dill Potatoes
• Creamy Corn
• Peas & Onions
• Swedish Rye Bread
• Swedish Cream
• Ostkaka w/ Lingonberries
• Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake
• Assorted Pies

1:00 p.m

Presser Hall (see campus map →)
Graduating seniors assemble on front steps for the class photo.

1:30 p.m.

Commencement Procession

Pihlblad Memorial Union (see campus map →)

Assemble on the sidewalk in front of Pihlblad Memorial Union.

(Rain location: 3rd floor, Presser Hall)

1:50 p.m.

Processional March to Presser Hall.

2:00 p.m.

Commencement Ceremony

Presser Hall (see campus map →)

After the Ceremony:

Please continue exiting through the lobby and past the steps to avoid congestion. Diplomas may be picked up in the Presser Hall lobby near the elevator before leaving campus. (Note: Your diploma is not inside the hard shell presented during the ceremony.)

Live Streaming

Baccalaureate & Commencement Ceremonies will be live streamed and will also be available to watch after the events.

Ordering Photographs

Professional Photos will be taken through out the day and of each graduate as they receive their diplomas.

Photos will be available to view and purchase after the event. Please allow a day or two for images to be uploaded to the gallery.