For several excited Newman University seniors and their families, graduation is right around the corner with celebratory events in tow.
Read on to find the full schedule of graduation week events, culminating with the Newman University Commencement ceremony Friday, May 6.
Find the commencement countdown, a list of frequently asked graduation questions and more on our website.
Spring semester finals
Class projects are wrapping up, research papers are nearing completion and final presentations and exams mark the end of another academic year. Finals week for the spring semester starts Monday, May 2.
Thursday, May 5
3 p.m. Nurse pinning ceremony
Nursing pinning ceremonies date back more than 130 years in the United States and are an important step in the transition from student nurse to professional nurse.
Graduates of the Newman University nursing program will receive their traditional pins during the nurse pinning ceremony in the De Mattias Performance Hall.
4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free portrait photo sessions
Free portrait photography will be provided for graduates and their families outside of Sacred Heart Hall on the Newman campus.
4:30 p.m. Occupational therapy assistant (OTA) pinning ceremony
Graduates of the Newman University occupational therapy assistant program will receive their pins of completion during a ceremony in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
5:30 p.m. OTA reception
OTA program graduates will be celebrated with a reception in the former bookstore space in Dugan.
6 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass
All are invited to attend the traditional Baccalaureate Mass in St. John’s Chapel, which honors all Newman University graduates. The ceremony is a Catholic Mass with special music performed by the Chorale and Troubadours as well as Catholic readings. Selected graduates will also share reflections about their time at Newman.
Attending graduating students are asked to attend Baccalaureate in their graduation gowns (no caps).
7 p.m. President’s Reception
Graduates and family members are invited to celebrate with the President’s Reception immediately following the Baccalaureate Mass over light appetizers in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
7:30 p.m. Master of Social Work pinning ceremony
Master of Social Work graduates will be honored with a pinning ceremony in the Tarcisia Roths ASC Alumni Center in Dugan.
Friday, May 6
1 p.m. Undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremony at Hartman Arena
Newman University graduates will finally celebrate their hard-earned degrees as they walk across the stage and become alumni of the university.
Graduating students are required to arrive at Hartman Arena (8151 North Hartman Arena Drive in Park City, Kansas) no later than 45 minutes prior to the start of their scheduled commencement.
Detailed instructions will be sent to students via Newman University email.
5-8 p.m. First Friday art reception
Art seniors are recognized with their senior showcases during the last First Friday event of the semester. View the artwork of graduating seniors over light refreshments during First Friday in the Steckline Gallery in De Mattias Hall.
Saturday, May 7
10:30 a.m. New Alumni Brunch
New graduates (fall of 2021 and spring 2022) are welcome to bring a guest and attend their first brunch as Newman University alumni with door prizes, food and fun games in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center. RSVP here.
“Each year we like to celebrate our newest alumni and this brunch is our way of congratulating the graduates and welcoming them into the Newman University alumni association,” Director of Alumni Relations Dana Beitey explained. “My goal for this event is to have fun, create memories and let our alumni know they are always welcome on campus.”
Beitey said she also hopes attendees walk away knowing some of the ways they can stay connected to their alma mater.
“Ending their academic journey with a fun party is just icing on the cake,” she said. “I hope our graduates bring good stories to share with others at this event and create one last memory for the road — wherever they journey next.”
View the Newman University graduation countdown
Newman University’s annual spring commencement ceremony is right around the corner!
