COMMENCEMENT + GRADUATION INFORMATION

May 2025 Commencement

Wednesday, March 12
Davis Globe and Senior Ceremony, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Castle Room

Thursday, March 13
Grad Finale, 3:30-6:30 p.m., Knights Ballroom

Sunday, May 18
Track & Field National Qualifier Commencement Ceremony

Wednesday, May 21
May Term Band Concert, 6 p.m., Campus Mall
Unity Stole Ceremony, 7 p.m., McCaskey Lyceum

Thursday, May 22
Senior Art Exhibit, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Waldemar A. Schmidt Art Gallery
Senior Pig Roast, 6 p.m., Greenwood

Friday, May 23
The Wartburg Store open, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saemann Student Center
Senior Art Exhibit, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Waldemar A. Schmidt Art Gallery
Blessing of Seniors, 7 p.m., Wartburg Chapel

Saturday, May 24
Senior Art Exhibit, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Waldemar A. Schmidt Art Gallery
Master of Arts in Leadership Academic Hooding Ceremony, 9:30 a.m., Wartburg Chapel (Watch it here) (Download program)
The Wartburg Store open, 11a.m.-5 p.m., Saemann Student Center

Commencement Brunch, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Mensa   
Adults $13, Kids 5-12 $6.50, Under 5 is free 
RSVPs are encouraged for the meal; however, walk-ups will be welcome. These are for planning purposes only.

Menu

Pancakes 
Scrambled Eggs               
Bacon                      
Country Club Potatoes               
Chicken Cordon Bleu               
Sugar Snap Peas               
Moroccan Acorn Squash               
Baked and Sweet Potatoes               
Dinner Roll               
Rice               
Salad Bar               
Deli Bar              
Pasta Court               
Blueberry Dessert Pizza               
Apple Crisp 

Commencement Rehearsal (Undergraduate and Graduate), 11:30 a.m., Levick Arena
Commencement, 2 p.m. (doors open at 1 p.m.), The W Fieldhouse (Watch it here) (Download program)

Sunday, May 25
Moved out of residence halls by 12 p.m.

Questions about Commencement? Contact Heidi Keller at heidi.keller@wartburg.edu.

Blessing of Seniors Service
Wartburg Chapel
Friday, May 23, 7 p.m.
Students and families are invited to gather in the chapel for a time of celebration and gratitude. 

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 in Hoover Fieldhouse in The Wartburg-Waverly Sports & Wellness Center. Ceremony time is 2 p.m.
• Graduates will line up in Levick Arena in The W at 1:30 p.m. and process into the field house. Rehearsal will take place at 11:30 a.m., following Commencement Brunch at 10 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 in the Hoover Fieldhouse in the Wartburg-Waverly Sports & Wellness Center. Ceremony time is 2 p.m.; doors open at 1 p.m.
• There is no limit to the number of family members who may attend; tickets are not required to be admitted into the fieldhouse. 
• Accessible seating for those with wheelchairs or other mobility challenges will be available.
• Accessible parking is available near the venue.
• After the ceremony, graduates and guests are welcome to gather on central campus for photos.

High-resolution images will be available to download following each event. 

Hours below are for May 2025.

Meal transfers end Thursday at 1:15 p.m. for the term. Points work through Saturday, May 24.