Commencement
Reaching a milestone.
Last updated: May 19, 2022
Face coverings are required in all public indoor settings on campus, including at The Last Lecture. Face coverings are optional outdoors, including at the Commencement Ceremony and the Champagne Toast. Learn more about Northland’s COVID policies.
Join us for the 111th Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 28 at 11 a.m. in Ponzio Stadium.
We are pleased to announce that families are invited to attend and celebrate together. The Commencement Ceremony will be held in Ponzio Stadium, an exceptional outdoor venue that will provide a safe environment. The ceremony will also be livestreamed. Further details about accessing the livestream will be shared on this page closer to Commencement.
Commencement Ceremony Speakers
- Northland College Board of Trustees Chair Chad Dayton
- President Karl I. Solibakke
- Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty Alan Brew
- Student Speaker AJ Gregg
Additional Events
We are pleased to share that The Last Lecture will be held in the Chapple Family Gymnasium on Friday, May 27 at 4 p.m., when Professor of Biology Andy Goyke will deliver the message “What is Truth?” The Champagne Toast will follow on the Campus Mall (the grassy area outside of the Ponzio Campus Center opposite the side facing the parking lot) at 5 p.m. The Last Lecture will be livestreamed on this site on Friday, May 27 at 4 p.m.
Please continue to check this page for updates. All events subject to change based on necessary COVID-19 precautions. If you have additional questions, please email commencement@northland.edu.
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.
Know the Details
- Schedule
- Show Family and Friends Around
- Tickets and Guests
- Gown Rental
- Invitations
- Special Accommodations or Assistance
- Student Responsibilities
- Commencement Photos
- Lodging
- Chambers of Commerce (Find activities and more information about our region)
Commencement Information
Know the Schedule
A livestream of the Last Lecture and Commencement Ceremony will be available to view on this page. Graduates, please watch for emails from the Commencement Committee for forthcoming details.
Friday, May 27, 2022
2 p.m.—Commencement Rehearsal (graduates only) Attendance by graduates is required.
Chapple Family Gymnasium
4 p.m.—Last Lecture (graduates and families are invited)
“What is Truth” delivered by Professor of Biology Andy Goyke
Chapple Family Gymnasium and via livestream
5 p.m.—Champagne Toast for graduates and families
Campus Mall (the grassy area outside of the Ponzio Campus Center opposite the side facing the parking lot)
6–9 p.m.—The Confluence
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. Come enjoy live music and light fare food—all served up in a fun atmosphere. Live music starts at 7 p.m.
H. Pearson Plaza Park in downtown Ashland, Wisconsin
Saturday, May 28, 2022
9–10 a.m.—Graduates are required to check in with the Registrar’s table
Chapple Family Gymnasium
10:30 a.m.—Robe and Line-up (graduates only)
Chapple Family Gymnasium
11 a.m.—Commencement Ceremony (families are invited)
Ponzio Stadium and via livestream
Visiting Spaces on Campus
Some spaces around campus will be open to show family and friends around while they are here or to take pictures.
The following buildings and classrooms will be open until 7 p.m. on Friday, May 27, and 8 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, May 28:
- Larson-Juhl Center for Science and the Environment
- Rooms 167, 169, and 236 only
- Mary Van Evera Visual Arts Center
- Ponzio Campus Center
- Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute
- First floor only
- Wheeler Hall
- First and second floors only
- 212 and 209 Wheeler Hall will not be open
The following spaces will be open during different hours:
- Dexter Library
- Open until 7 p.m. on Friday, May 27
- Open 8:30–10:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 28
- Indigenous Cultures Center (114B–121 Mead Hall)
- Open 2–4 p.m. on Friday, May 27
- Not open on Saturday, May 28
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 2022 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 21, 2022. Questions regarding gown rental can be directed to Colleen Brewer in the Campus Store or by phone at 715-682-1339.
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
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
Chambers of Commerce
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 2022
In honor of the Class of 2022, please consider a gift to Northland College today. Your generous support preserves the vitality of our community for generations to come!
