Graduation & Commencement

May 3, 2025

Last updated April 30, 2025

Live Streaming

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

Watch Live

Friday, May 2


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.
  • Click Here to View Rehearsal, Senior & Parent Social, & Honors Banquet Schedule

    1:45 p.m.

    Rehearsal 

    Presser Hall (see campus map →)


    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→)


View Baccalaureate Program

(Baccalaureate Program→)

  • 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.


    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.


    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. 


    Swedish 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


    Afternoon Commencement Schedule


    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.


    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.)

Cap and Gown Ordering Information

Graduates will receive their gowns, caps, and tassels on Friday, May 2, 2025, following rehearsal. These items are ordered by the College with information provided by the prospective graduate’s submitted Graduation Application.


Additional Swede graduation accessories are available for purchase through Jostens. All ordering and payments are handled directly through their site.

Visit Jostens

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.

View Gallery

Begin the journey down your path.