Commencement

Reaching a milestone.

Last updated on May 15, 2025. While some information has changed since it was first published, the date of the Commencement Ceremony itself has remained the same.

Join us to celebrate the Class of 2025 at Northland College’s 114th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Families and friends are welcome and invited to attend and celebrate together.

The Commencement Ceremony is an important milestone in the lives of our graduating seniors, and 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.

Please continue to check this page for updates; more details about the festivities for the Class of 2025 will be available closer to the date of the Ceremony. All events are subject to change. If you have any questions, please email commencement@northland.edu.

Schedule

Commencement events are open to all unless otherwise noted below.

Friday, May 23, 2025

Last Lecture

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.

Presented by Dylan Jennings, associate director of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, this event offers a moment of reflection and inspiration from a faculty member chosen by the graduating class. Hosted by the Northland College Student Association (NCSA), the address invites graduates and guests to pause, look back on their journey, and look ahead with purpose.

Senior Champagne Toast

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.

Join us for a celebratory gathering to raise a glass in honor of the Class of 2025.

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.

The Confluence is a unique tradition that brings together graduates, faculty, and staff in recognition of their time at Northland. This event is sponsored by NCSA.

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Commencement Ceremony and Reception

11 a.m. (venue opens at 10 a.m.) • Ponzio Stadium

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

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.

Join us for the culminating event of the academic year as we honor and celebrate our graduates alongside their families, friends, and the campus community. The program will feature remarks from Alumni Board President Madeline Jarvis and student speaker Grace Smathers. This year’s reception will be held in the spirit of the beloved Everybody Party—a joyful, inclusive celebration for all. All are welcome!

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 23, buildings/classrooms will be unlocked until 7 p.m.; on Saturday, May 24, 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 23; open 8:30–10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 24

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

Open Friday, May 23, 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 2025 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.

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
*There may be a discount if you mention you are attending Northland College’s 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

Chambers of Commerce (Regional Visitor Information)

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.

MyNorthland