Commencement 2026

Commencement rehearsal for graduates will take place Saturday, May 9, from 10-11 a.m. in Memorial Hall (#24 on map). The registrar’s office will send more details to graduates through campus mail at a later date.

Special meal for all senior graduates, with presentation of senior gifts. Sponsored by the Bethel College Alumni Association, Student Alumni Association, Student Life, and President’s Office. Graduates only.

The Nursing Pinning Ceremony is a time-honored tradition that recognizes the achievements of nursing graduates and marks their transition from student to professional nurse. During the ceremony, graduates receive their nursing pins, symbolizing their dedication, hard work, and commitment to compassionate, ethical patient care.

We invite family, friends, alumni, and members of the Bethel College community to join us in celebrating this significant milestone in the lives of our nursing graduates.

Tickets are not needed to attend.

The Concert Choir will tour Europe during May 2026, performing concerts in Germany, France, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. A featured concert will celebrate 75 years of the Wuppertal Exchange Program at the culmination of the tour. Join us as we send them on their way!

Baccalaureate is at 10 a.m. with Prelude starting at 9:30 a.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church (#4 on map), with worship, music and other content selected by a committee of seniors. Graduates do not need to wear their graduation robes, and are welcome to sit with their families.

Tickets are not needed to attend.

All graduates report to the Administration Building steps (#1 on map) in cap and gown at 2:45 p.m. for a class photo. In case of severe weather, report to the Thresher Gymnasium.

After the photo, graduates proceed to Luyken Fine Arts Center (#20 on map) to assemble and prepare for the commencement procession. All senior graduates are required to attend. In case of severe weather, graduates should report to Thresher Gymnasium for the procession.

The formal commencement ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. in Memorial Hall (#24 on map). The closest parking lot to Memorial Hall is the stadium parking lot. Other options include the Kauffman Museum and Luyken Fine Arts Center (#20 on map) parking lots.

Graduation robes, caps and tassels can be ordered and paid for through Thresher Shop in Schultz Student Center (#30 on map). The Thresher Shop will send out an email to graduates with more details. Order graduation announcements through CB Announcement online or by calling 800-433-0296. Order forms are also available in Thresher Shop.

A livestream link will be available to watch the event virtually.

Tickets are not needed to attend.

A photographer will be taking photos of graduates at baccalaureate and commencement, including graduates receiving their diplomas. These photos will be available to graduates and family members at no cost.

Photos will be posted at the link below as soon as possible after May 10.