Commencement Day Events

Events leading to Spring 2024 Commencement, celebrating our graduating students.

Baccalaureate is a non-denominational service that gives thanks for the achievements of the graduates, celebrates the completion of their academic careers, and asks for God's blessings on their futures. Rev. C.J. Harkness will preside. Faculty and student leaders will conduct the ceremony. All students and families are invited to attend.

The President's Reception welcomes all graduates and their families and guests to celebrate their achievements together with President and Mrs. Helmer. This informal event features light refreshments. Formal dress is not required, and reservations are not necessary. Caps and gowns are not worn at this time. (Individual academic departments may host receptions for graduating students and parents. Contact departments directly for information.)

The White Rose Ceremony is held annually during spring commencement weekend in memory of Philura Gould Baldwin. An oration is given by one of the selected women, and a portion of the White Rose song is sung. A white rose serves as a memorial to the honoree.

Philura Gould Baldwin, 1886, was the granddaughter of John Baldwin, founder of Baldwin University. As an undergraduate, Philura collected books, cataloging them according to Dewey’s new decimal system, to begin a library. The traditional colors of brown and gold, which carried over from Baldwin University, had been Philura’s suggestion. Following her death from consumption at age 26, Philura's parents donated funds for a library that was dedicated in her memory in June 1894. The building still stands today as part of the Malicky Center.

Rain location: Sandstone 3, Strosacker Hall (lower level)

Ceremony celebrating our undergraduate and graduate Class of '24.
Ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m. in Ursprung Gymnasium with events earlier in the day.

For more information, please visit https://www.bw.edu/commencement/