• Northland College Diploma

Commencement

Reaching a milestone.

Last updated on May 27, 2023. The schedule has changed since it was first published, but the time, date, and location of the Commencement Ceremony itself have remained the same.

Livestream Information
The Last Lecture, Baccalaureate, and Commencement Ceremony were all livestreamed. Links to watch each of them can be found in the Commencement schedule below on this page. View the schedule.

Join us for the 112th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. in Ponzio Stadium.

In the event of severe weather, the Commencement Ceremony will be held in the Chapple Family Gymnasium.

Families and friends are welcome and invited to attend and celebrate together. The ceremony will also be livestreamed, and the 112th Commencement Ceremony program book is available to view and download. View the Class of 2023’s Commencement program book.

The Commencement Ceremony is an important milestone in the lives of our graduating seniors. It is our hope that family and friends will share in this experience. One of the special qualities of Northland is the genuine friendship that students, faculty, and staff share.

Additional Events

  • The Last Lecture—“Life as an Expedition” by Professor Elizabeth Andre
  • Commencement BOND-fire
  • Baccalaureate • To attend in person, please RSVP here (opens a new tab)
  • Champagne Toast • To attend, please RSVP here (opens a new tab)
  • The Confluence

See the full Commencement schedule for details about additional events.

Please continue to check this page for updates. All events are subject to change. If you have any questions, please email commencement@northland.edu.

Know the Details

Commencement Information

Know the Schedule

Commencement events are open to all unless otherwise noted below.

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Last Lecture
5 p.m. • Alvord Theatre, Ponzio Campus Center
This event will also be livestreamed.
The livestream feed will start shortly before the event begins. You can return to this page to find it, or save or bookmark the following link. View the Last Lecture Livestream.

Professor Elizabeth Andre will deliver the Last Lecture, titled “Life as an Expedition.” From Dr. Andre: “Traveling as a small group in the backcountry strips away many of the complexities of life. The simplicity of the expedition can give us insights for how to live well in the front country.” The Last Lecture is hosted by the Northland College Student Association (NCSA).

Commencement BOND-fire
6 p.m. • Wheeler Fire Ring
The fire ring is located between Wheeler Hall and Mead Hall.

Join fellow graduates, friends, family, and campus community members after the Last Lecture to hang out at a fun bondfire. Cookies and lemonade will be served.

Friday, May 26, 2023

Commencement Rehearsal
2 p.m. • Chapple Family Gymnasium
Attendance by graduates is required.
Baccalaureate
4 p.m. • Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Good Shepherd’s address is 311 13th Street West, Ashland, WI 54806. It is just north of Fenenga Hall.
This event will also be livestreamed.
The livestream feed will start shortly before the event begins. You can return to this page to find it, or save or bookmark the following link. View the Baccalaureate Livestream.

This renewed tradition provides an intimate moment of reflection and gratitude for graduates and their families prior to a weekend of celebration!

In-person attendees must RSVP for Baccalaureate and the Champagne Toast (though you do not need to attend both). RSVP now.
Champagne Toast in Honor of the Class of 2023
5 p.m. • Campus Mall
The Campus Mall is the grassy area outside of the Ponzio Campus Center opposite the side facing the parking lot.

Families of our graduates are invited to join faculty and staff in celebrating the Class of 2023 and their transition from students to alumni of Northland College. Enjoy refreshments and beverages prior the official toast and well wishes. Organized by the Office of Alumni Relations and featuring a celebratory toast by President Chad Dayton, this event immediately follows the Baccalaureate service.

In-person attendees must RSVP for the Champagne Toast and Baccalaureate (though you do not need to attend both). RSVP now.
The Confluence
6 p.m. • Howard Pearson Plaza
H. Pearson Plaza is in downtown Ashland right behind Ashland City Hall (between City Hall and Lake Shore Drive West where the pedestrian underpass is). The address for Ashland City Hall is 601 Main Street West, Ashland, WI 54806.

Organized by the Northland College Student Association, this event is for students, families, and friends to mingle and celebrate with the many people who have been a part of each other’s lives at Northland College. There will be free food, beverages, and live music (The New Salty Dogs are playing).

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Graduate Check-in
9–10 a.m. • Chapple Family Gymnasium

Graduates are required to check in with the registrar’s table.

Graduate Check-in is for graduates only.
Robe and Line-up
10:30 a.m.
Robe and Line-up is for graduates only.
Commencement Ceremony
11 a.m. (venue opens at 10 a.m.) • Ponzio Stadium
This event will also be livestreamed.
The livestream feed will start shortly before the event begins. You can return to this page to find it, or save or bookmark the following link. View the Commencement Ceremony Livestream.

A reception will immediately follow the Commencement Ceremony in and around Ponzio Campus Center. All are welcome!

Commencement Ceremony Speakers

  • Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty Alan Brew
  • Northland College President Chadwick L. Dayton
  • Board of Trustees Chair Ted Bristol
  • College Trustee Beth Dooley
  • Student Speaker Danielle Hewitt

Visiting Spaces on Campus

Several campus buildings will be open during Commencement weekend for students to show their families where they spent their time or to take pictures. Unless otherwise noted below, on Friday, May 26, buildings/classrooms will be unlocked until 7 p.m.; on Saturday, May 27, they will be unlocked 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Larson-Juhl Center for Science and the Environment (CSE)

Rooms 167, 169, and 236

Dexter Library

Open during its normal hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) on Friday, May 26; open 8:30–10:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 27

Diversity Center

Open Friday, May 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; not open on Saturday

Indigenous Cultures Center (on the first floor of Mead Hall)

Open Friday, May 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; not open on Saturday

Mary Van Evera Visual Arts Center

Most spaces in the Mary Van Evera Visual Arts Center will be open

Ponzio Campus Center

Most spaces in the Ponzio Campus Center will be open (excluding offices)

Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute

First floor

Wheeler Hall

Wheeler Chapel (fourth floor) and most classrooms (excluding rooms 209 and 212)

Student Responsibilities

Only students who have completed or registered for all course requirements or those who show evidence that all requirements will be met by August 2023 will be allowed to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

Review graduation requirements for further information.

Tickets and Guests

Tickets are not required for any of the events. Currently, there is no restriction on the number of guests a student may invite. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Gown Rental

Gowns are reserved through the Campus Store. Please have orders placed by March 17, 2023. Questions regarding gown rental can be directed to Cody Westlund in the Campus Store or by phone at 715-682-1277.

Invitations

Students may create or use any vendor to order their own invitations.

Special Accommodations or Assistance

Any student, family member, or guest needing special assistance and/or reasonable accommodations (wheelchair access, physical disability, etc.) should email commencement@northland.edu prior to the ceremony to make arrangements.

Find Lodging

Hotels Near Northland College

Family and friends are encouraged to make reservations early because of our community’s busy tourist season.

AmericInn Motel and Suites
3009 Lake Shore Drive East
Ashland, WI 54806
866-378-9950

Best Western The Hotel Chequamegon*
101 Lake Shore Drive West
Ashland, WI 54806
715-682-9095
*Discount when you mention you are attending Northland College Commencement.

Blue Wave Inn
2521 Lake Shore Drive West
Ashland, WI 54806
715-685-2583

Cobblestone Inn & Suites
818 Main Street West
Ashland, WI 54806
715-682-5066

River Rock Inn
1200 Lake Shore Drive West
Ashland, WI 54806
715-682-3232

Super 8 of Ashland
1610 Lake Shore Drive West
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-9377

Order Commencement Photos

GradImages is the official photographer for Northland College Commencement. Photos will be ready 48–72 hours following Commencement. Visit their website to view Commencement photos.

Make a Gift in Honor of the Class of 2023

In honor of the Class of 2023, please consider a gift to Northland College today. Your generous support preserves the vitality of our community for generations to come!