Commencement 2023
Commencement for the Class of 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m. in Abel Stadium. The ceremony will last approximately two hours, and will be held rain or shine.
All guests are welcome.
A live webstream of the commencement ceremony will be available on this webpage for those unable to attend.
Please continue to check this webpage for schedule updates.
| Commencement Day Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 8:15 a.m. | Graduates and faculty line up for final walk in Knight Fieldhouse |
| 8:40 a.m. | Final Walk through campus |
| 9 a.m. | Baccalaureate service at First United Methodist Church |
| 9:45 a.m. | Line up for Commencement in Snyder Arena |
| 11 a.m. | Commencement ceremony |
| 1 p.m. | Pick up diplomas in Snyder Arena |
Final Walk
A tradition at Nebraska Wesleyan University, the final walk across campus symbolizes the culmination of a graduate’s four years of learning and living at NWU. Just as they did to begin their academic careers, during the final walk graduates will pass under one of Nebraska Wesleyan’s famous arches—the symbol of the university.
Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church located at 50th Street and Saint Paul Avenue. Baccalaureate services are a tradition at Nebraska Wesleyan as part of our relationship with the United Methodist Church. All graduates are invited to participate in the services but are not required to attend.
All participating graduates and faculty members should be dressed in caps and gowns or regalia and begin assembling in Knight Field House by 8:15 a.m.
Weather
The ceremony will be held outdoors, so we encourage guests to dress accordingly. If the weather is cool, a light jacket or blanket may be appropriate. If the weather is warm, sunscreen and hats are recommended. Bottled water will be provided to graduates and available to guests at the concession stand.
Parking
All campus parking lots are available for commencement parking. Street parking is also available however, parking will NOT be permitted on Madison Avenue between 50th and 56th Streets. Parking attendants will be available to help direct traffic, and complimentary golf cart shuttles will run from designated lots throughout campus to aid guests as needed. Handicapped parking is available in the lot located directly to the south of the Story Student Center.
You may download the parking map to see all available parking options and shuttle locations.
Photography
To order graduate photos, visit www.gradimages.com and follow the directions on the page to access the proofs.
Nebraska Wesleyan Bookstore
The Prairie Wolves Bookstore located in the Story Student Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, for late gown pick-up (if necessary) and to purchase NWU memorabilia.
Coffee House
Families and friends may take a break in the Archway Café coffee house located on the lower level of the Story Student Center. The café will be open from 7 to 11 a.m.
Additional Information
- Accommodations
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All NWU commencement guests may receive special hotel rates at the below establishments. To make a reservation please use the following phrasing—“I would like to make a reservation for the NWU commencement at the Nebraska Wesleyan negotiated rate.” Please book by April 5, 2023.
Hotel Address Price Phone New Victorian Suites 225 N 50th St. Starting at $100 (402) 464-4400 Hampton Inn & Suites Northeast 7343 Husker Cr. Starting at $109 (402) 435-4600 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown 905 O St. Starting at $149 (402) 474-6465 Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport 1000 West Bond St. Starting at $179 (402) 690-7383 Country Inn & Suites Lincoln North 5353 N 27th St Starting at $89 (844) 209-0529 Embassy Suites 1040 P Street Starting at $159 (402) 474-1111 - Maps and Directions
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Directions Maps From the airport
Take West Adams out of airport.
Right on Cornhusker Highway.
Right on 48th Street.
Left on Saint Paul Ave. (third stoplight).
From the east on I–80
Take Waverly exit (#409)
Left on Cornhusker Highway.
Left on 48th Street.
Left on Saint Paul Ave. (third stoplight)
From the west on I–80
Take Superior Street exit (#401)
Left onto Superior Street.
Right on 48th Street.
Left on Saint Paul Ave. (third stoplight)
From the southeast on Highway 2
Right on 84th Street.
Left on Adams Street. (after several miles on 84th)
Left on 48th Street.
Left on Saint Paul Ave. (first stop light)Final Walk Map
Lincoln Campus Map
Download and print our campus map536.58 KB
Lincoln Map
- Cap and Gown Ordering Information
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If you missed the online ordering deadline: Regalia is still available to purchase, in-store only. Quantities and sizes are limited, so don't wait!
Caps and gowns, personalized announcements, diploma frames and rings can be ordered online by visiting the Herff Jones website.
Please take note of the deadlines below to ensure you receive your items in a timely manner.
Some items will be available in the bookstore store for emergency situations, but it is not guaranteed. Ordering online by the due date is highly recommended.
Shipping Options and Order Deadlines
There are two shipping options for all graduates.
Option1: When ordering online if you choose Pickup at Bookstore you will pickup at the Prairie Wolves Bookstore in Lincoln. Pickups are expected to arrive the week of April 24. DEADLINE for this option is March 17.
Option 2: When ordering online if you choose Homeship your order will be delivered directly to your home ($13.95 shipping fee). DEADLINE for this option is March 31.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATES – You can keep all items in your order, so you do NOT need to return anything after the ceremony. (Pricing: $49.98 plus tax which includes gown, cap, and tassel) – A la carte options also available on the website.
MASTER’S DEGREE GRADUATES (except MSN/MBA dual degree graduates) – You can keep all items in your order, so you do NOT need to return anything after the ceremony. (Pricing: $101.98 plus tax which includes gown, cap, hood, and tassel) – A la carte options also available on the website.
MSN/MBA DUAL DEGREE GRADUATES – Please contact the bookstore at cvenema [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (cvenema[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) for your options.
For questions about cap and gown orders or announcements please contact the Prairie Wolves Bookstore at (402) 465-2490 or email cvenema [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (cvenema[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu)
Ordering Announcements
Personalized announcements are available online. Orders will require 3-4 weeks to process and ship so please order ASAP to get your items in plenty of time to send out to family and friends.
Generic announcements are available in the bookstore to purchase for $2/announcement.