Congratulations 2026 Graduates!

Graduation & Commencement

May 1, 2027

Last updated November 10, 2026

Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 1

  • Click Here to View Baccalaureate & Commencement Schedule

    Morning Baccalaureate Schedule


    9:30 a.m. 

    Breakfast

    Bethany Lutheran Church (directions →)

    Continental Breakfast on the lawn, provided by the congregation.

    Bethany College began at Bethany Lutheran Church on October 15, 1881, when Reverend Dr. Carl A. Swensson opened Bethany Academy in the church’s sacristy with just ten students. From that small beginning grew the college we celebrate today. This breakfast is one small way the congregation continues that long relationship, celebrating Bethany students and wishing our graduates well as they take their next steps beyond Lindsborg.


     


    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).


    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.

    General seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome to attend.


    Following Baccalaureate:

    Enjoy a luncheon on campus

    in the Pihlblad Memorial Union (see campus map →)

    Enjoy a meal served in the Bethany College cafeteria Saturday, May 1.


    Serving time: 11:30-1:00.

    Menu: TBA


    Prices: TBA


    We do not have meal plans during this time, so students will not be able to use those.

     No reservations required; credit cards and cash accepted. Meal swipes available for graduates with meal plans. 


    Afternoon Commencement Schedule

    In the event of severe weather during the Commencement Ceremony, Bethany College employees are stationed throughout Presser Hall to guide guests to pre-determined shelter locations.


    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 

    Assemble at Amphitheatre (see campus map →)

    (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 →)

    General seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Commencement Rehearsal April 30.

    Friday, April 30

    Graduation Preparation Details:

    • Graduate seating information will be explained at rehearsal.
    • Cap, Gown, and Alumni-Advancement Gift Pickup: These items will be distributed at rehearsal
    • Alternate Pickup Option: If you are unable to attend rehearsal, you may pick up your cap, gown, and Alumni-Advancement gift on Saturday, May 1, at 9:00 AM in Presser Hall.

    Rehearsal Schedule:

    1:45 p.m.

    Rehearsal 

    Presser Hall (see campus map →)


Learn more about the Baccalaureate & Commencement Speakers

  • To Be Announced

    Graduation speaker are to be announced at a later date.

  • Bethany College Alma Mater

    Lyrics of Bethany College Alma Mater Song:

    1. Sing for dear Bethany; let your voices ring. Make sweeter harmony, come on let's sing. Sing of her glories past, victories to be; bright future is forcast for dear old Bethany.
    2. Cheer for dear Bethany; cheer with all your heart. Support her loyally, come, do your part. Fight on ye "Terrible Swedes," strive courageously, show the world by noble deeds that you're from Bethany.
    3. Here's to dear Bethany, how we love that name. She has her dignity, glory and fame. Long may the gold and blue bring to memory those happy days we knew at dear old Bethany.

    Hear it sang

  • Need to update your address to have your diploma mailed?

    All diplomas will be mailed to the address submitted on your graduation application.

    1. Login to eSwede
    2. Click Students at the top of the page
    3. Click Forms on the left hand side
    4. Choose Address Update Form

    We must have your correct address in the College system by Tuesday, May 4, to ensure that you receive your diploma and final transcripts. Please allow up to two weeks for processing address changes.

Swede Swag

Bethany College will offer a special Graduation Pop-Up Store for students and families at commencement. The store will feature Bethany gear and celebratory items available for purchase on-site or to order ahead for easy pickup. Stop by to make sure you have everything you need to celebrate this important milestone in true Swede style! 🎓💛

Online Store

Cap and Gown Information

Bethany College orders gowns, caps, and tassels for our graduates using information graduates provide on the Graduation Application. Gowns, caps, and tassels will be distributed to graduating students on Friday, April 30, 2027 following Commencement rehearsal.


Graduates and families can order additional Swede graduation accessories through Jostens. Just click here to view and order. All ordering and payments for additional accessories are handled directly by Jostens and not the College.

Visit Jostens

Ordering Photographs

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


Photos will be available to view and purchase after the event.

Begin the journey down your path.