COMMENCEMENT + GRADUATION INFORMATION

Blessing of Seniors Service, Wartburg Chapel, Saturday, May 28, 6 p.m.
This service is a time for students and families to gather together in worship. The program will include music, a short message, and a special blessing for those students who are graduating this year.

Attendance
Pending graduates will be notified in April on the process to request to participate in Commencement in absentia. 

Attire
Dress for Commencement should be business casual to formal. The following official regalia is appropriate to be worn during Commencement: Wartburg College approved cap, gown, honor cords, and scholarship medallions. Students may also wear accessories (such as stoles) that represent nationality or recognized student organizations.

All Regents and Presidential Scholarship recipients are encouraged to wear their scholarship medals with caps and gowns for Baccalaureate and Commencement. (If you have questions regarding the medals, please contact Admissions at 319-352-8264 or admissions@wartburg.edu.

Commencement is both a joyful celebration and a solemn event. Commencement officials are authorized to request that students remove unauthorized symbols or regalia, and, when necessary, to take possession of items until after the ceremony.

We look forward to sharing in our graduates’ joy while maintaining decorum and respect for the College’s traditions.

COMMENCEMENT DETAILS FOR GRADUATES:

• The ceremony will take place outside on Zimmerman Field in Walston-Hoover Stadium. Ceremony time is 10:30 a.m.; in the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be postponed to 1:30 p.m. (we will hold the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. even in light rain).
• Seating for graduates will be provided on the football field.
• Graduates will line up in the Field House in The W at 10 a.m. and process onto the field via the south end zone. Rehearsal will take place at 7:30 a.m. and Senior Breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Mensa.
• After the ceremony, graduates and guests are welcome to gather on central campus for photos.

COMMENCEMENT DETAILS FOR GUESTS:

• The ceremony will take place outside on Zimmerman Field in Walston-Hoover Stadium. Ceremony time is 10:30 a.m.; in the event of severe weather, the ceremony will be postponed to 1:30 p.m. (we will hold the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. even in light rain).
• There is no limit to the number of family members who may attend; tickets are not required to be admitted into the stadium. Guest seating is in the stadium bleachers with accessible seating available. Guests will be expected to comply with campus COVID-19 protocols. The most updated protocols will be posted on the website prior to the ceremony.
• Gates open to the stadium (main entrance is west gate; southeast gate by the Victory Bell also open for accessibility into the stadium)
• Accessible seating for those with wheelchairs or other mobility challenges will be available in the stands and on paved locations around the stadium.
• Accessible parking is available near the stadium.
• Guests are encouraged to bring water. Beverages also will be available for purchase. Water will be provided for graduates. Please bring an umbrella, sunscreen, and dress appropriately for an outdoor event.
• After the ceremony, graduates and guests are welcome to gather on central campus for photos.
• The Wartburg Store will be open 2-6 p.m. on Saturday and 8-10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Due to staffing, there will not be a pop-up store at the stadium as was stated in the letter sent to parents.

Dec. 2021 Commencement

December Ceremony

• The ceremony will take place Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m. in the Wartburg Chapel with a reception to follow in Bachman Fine Arts Center foyer.
• The Rev. Dr. Brian Beckstrom, dean of spiritual life and the Herbert and Cora Moehlmann Chaplaincy Chair, will give the message.
• Wartburg Medals will be presented to Dr. Ann Henninger, professor emerita of biology, and Shirley Walker, long-time donor and volunteer.
• Masks are required for all in attendance.