Commencement

Reaching a milestone.

Updated January 6, 2021.

Northland College is committed to celebrating the accomplishments of our students and is exploring all options for the 110th commencement ceremony and activities during the global pandemic. Please continue to check this page for updates. All events subject to change.

Saturday, May 29, 2021
Ponzio Stadium*
Doors open at noon

* Chapple Family Gymnasium if inclement weather. Notification of location will be posted here 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27.

The Commencement ceremony is an important milestone in the lives of our graduating seniors. It’s our hope that family and friends share in this experience. One of the special qualities of Northland is the genuine friendship that students, faculty, and staff share. At the Baccalaureate service, graduates are invested with the honor of wearing the cap and gown, and given the charge to work for the common good. We encourage our graduates and their families to participate in both the Baccalaureate service and Commencement ceremony.

Please check back for updates. If you have additional questions, please email commencement@northland.edu.

Commencement Information

Know the Schedule

Friday, May 28, 2021

2:00 p.m. Commencement check-in and rehearsal
Alvord Theatre
All students eligible to participate in the Commencement ceremony, along with the platform party, are required to gather in the Alvord Theatre for check-in and rehearsal. Activities for this event include a walk-through of the ceremony and a reading of the names of all eligible students to verify pronunciation.
4:30 p.m. Last Lecture
Ponzio Campus Center, Alvord Theatre
5:30 p.m. Senior Champagne Toast
Ponzio Campus Center, Baldwin Commons
Please join President Karl Ivan Solibakke, faculty, and staff for a champagne toast in the graduates’ honor. Non-alcoholic options will be available. All family members and graduates welcome. Dress is semi-formal. A class photo will be taken.
7:00 p.m. The Confluence
Location TBD

Saturday, May 29, 2021

9:30 a.m. Graduates robe and line up for procession to Baccalaureate
Ponzio Campus Center, first floor
10:00 a.m. Procession across Wheeler Bridge
Family and friends are invited to gather along the walkway from Ponzio Campus Center across Wheeler Bridge to watch the procession. Buses will be waiting in the Larson-Juhl Center for Science and Environment parking lot to transport graduates, families, and friends to the church.
10:30 a.m. Baccalaureate Service
United Presbyterian Congregational Church, 214 Vaughn Ave, Ashland
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Buffet Luncheon
Ponzio Campus Center, Baldwin Commons
Open to all graduates, family, and friends. Buy tickets.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Campus Buildings Open House
12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Commencement Check-in
Ponzio Campus Center
Graduates are required to check in with the registrar’s table next to the post office.
1:15 p.m. Graduates robe and line-up
Chapel Family Gymnasium, Kendrigan Center
2:00 p.m. Commencement Ceremony
Ponzio Stadium
Ponzio Stadium is an outdoor venue with bleacher seating. Please plan accordingly with appropriate dress for warm or cool temperatures. Doors open at noon.
President’s Reception
Ponzio Campus Center
Immediately following Commencement ceremony, there will be a reception for all graduates, families, and friends.

Buffet Luncheon Tickets

If you plan to participate in the buffet luncheon, please reserve your tickets. Ticket reservations may be completed online (see below) or in the Chartwells Office in the Ponzio Campus Center, room #214. Students may pick up pre-purchased tickets in the Campus Store in the Ponzio Campus Center during the week before Commencement.

Tickets will also be available for purchase at the event. Please direct any questions about the buffet luncheon to chartwells@northland.edu or by phone at 715-682-1339.

Purchase Buffet Tickets

Graduating Senior's Name*
First Last
Email*
Payment is required for all graduating seniors, family members, and friends who plan to attend the buffet luncheon.
Adult Buffet
Price: $12.00 Quantity:
Child Buffet
5-12 years of age
Price: $6.00 Quantity:
Children less than 5 years of age will be admitted free of charge.
Total
$0.00
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First Last
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Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Credit Card

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Tickets and Guests

Tickets are not required for either Baccalaureate or Commencement. There is no limit to the number of guests a student may invite. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Gown Rental

Gowns are reserved through Darlene Zar in the campus store. Please have orders placed by March 31, 2021. Questions regarding gown rental can be directed to Darlene 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.

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 2020 will be allowed to participate in the Commencement ceremony.

Review graduation requirements for further 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.