Commencement Weekend Celebration
Thank you for visiting Sterling College's Commencement page!
Commencement 2025 is on Saturday, May 10, 9:45 a.m.
If you have questions, please contact Renee Dodson at 620-278-4217.
MONDAY, MAY 5 - FRIDAY, MAY 9
9 a.m. - Noon, 2 - 4 p.m.
PICK UP CAP AND GOWN
KELSEY HALL, REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
Students must pay their $100 graduation fee at the Business Office before picking up their cap and gown. GRADUATE STUDENTS – Graduation fee is $150
IMPORTANT:
1. ACCOUNT BALANCE MUST BE PAID IN FULL.
2. CAREER SERVICES SURVEY: Please complete.
3. LEARNING OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT SURVEY
Please complete: Undergraduate | Graduate
FRIDAY, MAY 9
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
GRADUATE BREAKFAST STUDENT UNION, WEST CAFETERIA
Celebrate and reflect on your Sterling experience as the Class of 2025 at the Graduate Breakfast, hosted by the Alumni Association and Career Services. Please enter the west doors of the West Cafeteria (graduating students only). Please RSVP by May 3.
9:45 a.m.
SENIOR CLASS PHOTO
FRONT STEPS OF COOPER HALL, EAST SIDE
10:30 a.m.
COMMENCEMENT REHEARSAL
GLEASON PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER, WEIGHT ROOM
All graduates meet Dr. Pete Manely, grand marshal, to rehearse the processional for Commencement.
11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
STERLING ONLINE STUDENT
SOCIAL STUDENT UNION - CORNERSTONE LOUNGE
SCO Graduates are invited to a luncheon on campus from 11:30-1:00. RSVP
5 - 7 p.m.
CAFETERIA AVAILABLE FOR DINNER
STUDENT UNION - CAFETERIA
The cafeteria will remain open this evening from 5-7 p.m. for graduates and families to enjoy a free meal from Chartwells Dining Services.
6 - 7 p.m.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE CHALLENGE AND CHARGE
STERLING CHURCH OF CHRIST, 337 S. BROADWAY, STERLING, KS
5 - 7 p.m.
ATHLETIC TRAINING BANQUET
WILKEY FIELDHOUSE, GLEASON ATHLETIC CENTER
Graduates of the Sterling College Athletic Training Program and their families are invited to the Athletic Training Banquet. Please RSVP to pmanely@sterling.edu.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 4 - 6 p.m.
SENIOR ART SHOW | RECEPTION
ART & MEDIA CENTER GALLERY
SATURDAY, MAY 10
9 - 9:15 a.m. GRADUATES LINE UP FOR PROCESSION
GLEASON PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER / WEIGHT ROOM
Please come robed no later than 9:15 a.m. Procession starts at 9:45 a.m. sharp.
9:45 a.m. PROCESSIONAL AND COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
GLEASON PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER
Details will be emailed at a later date.
5 p.m.
All students, including graduates, need to be checked out of their dorm room. Sign up for a checkout time with your RA.
For more information, visit:
FAQs
What do I wear to Commencement Weekend events?
We do not have a dress code for Commencement Weekend events. We want you to be comfortable. For those of you who want guidelines, business casual would be appropriate for all Commencement Weekend events.
We do not have a dress code for Commencement Weekend events. We want you to be comfortable. For those of you who want guidelines, business casual would be appropriate for all Commencement Weekend events.
When is the Commencement ceremony?
The Commencement ceremony is Saturday, May 10, at 9:45 a.m.
The Commencement ceremony is Saturday, May 10, at 9:45 a.m.
Where is the Commencement ceremony?
The Commencement ceremony will take place in the Gleason Physical Education Center.
The Commencement ceremony will take place in the Gleason Physical Education Center.
When do guests need to be in their seats for Commencement ceremony?
We encourage guests to be seated by 9:30 a.m. for the Commencement ceremony.
We encourage guests to be seated by 9:30 a.m. for the Commencement ceremony.
What if it’s raining?
The ceremony is indoors.
The ceremony is indoors.
Where can I park Friday and Saturday for Graduation Weekend events?
We have reserved the parking lots north of Kelsey Hall, north of the Student Union, and east of Gleason Physical Education Center for Commencement Weekend guests. Dollar General has also offered their parking lot as additional space for our guests. Handicap Accessible parking will be available at Gleason Physical Education Center. Please refer to our Campus Map for designated parking areas.
We have reserved the parking lots north of Kelsey Hall, north of the Student Union, and east of Gleason Physical Education Center for Commencement Weekend guests. Dollar General has also offered their parking lot as additional space for our guests. Handicap Accessible parking will be available at Gleason Physical Education Center. Please refer to our Campus Map for designated parking areas.
What is the seating arrangement for Commencement?
Commencement will be indoors. Certain seating will be reserved for graduates and faculty. The remaining seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Commencement will be indoors. Certain seating will be reserved for graduates and faculty. The remaining seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do graduates receive diplomas on Commencement Weekend?
No. Graduates will receive their diploma by mail no later than July 31, 2025, pending no financial holds.
No. Graduates will receive their diploma by mail no later than July 31, 2025, pending no financial holds.
Can I get professional photos of my graduate?
Yes. Sundquist Photography will be taking photos of your graduate. A few days after the ceremony, you may go to http:/art.hhimagehost.com/sterlingcollege2025 and find the link to the photos and information on purchasing. That link is not live at this time but will be after the ceremony.
Yes. Sundquist Photography will be taking photos of your graduate. A few days after the ceremony, you may go to http:/art.hhimagehost.com/sterlingcollege2025 and find the link to the photos and information on purchasing. That link is not live at this time but will be after the ceremony.
When do I pick up my cap and gown?
Cap and gown distribution takes place the week of graduation. Undergraduate students must pay their $100 graduation fee/$150 for graduate students to the Business Office before picking up their cap and gown. Students may go to the Registrar’s Office in Kelsey Hall to pick up their items Monday through Friday, 9 - 12 p.m. and 2 - 4 p.m.
I want to buy Sterling College gear. Where can I do so?
The Sterling College Warrior Wearhouse, Union location, will be open the week of Commencement, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.The Warrior Wearhouse, Gleason location, will be open 8:30 a.m. - noon on Saturday, May 10.
ADDITIONAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:
CAREER SERVICES - Mr. Hunter Morgan
As you’re preparing for the next season, please take a few minutes to fill out this quick survey. This will give SC a better understanding of how we did in preparing you for the future. As always, if you need help with anything like job searching, resumes, grad school applications or interview help, please stop by my office in the library.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT – Dr. Erin Laudermilk
All graduating students must complete this assessment prior to the posting of his or her degree. It will take approximately five minutes to complete. The first part of the survey addresses Sterling College’s Christian mission and its official statement of faith. The second part addresses the program-level learning objectives in your academic major. Please select the appropriate link below:
• Undergraduate Student (Earning the bachelor’s degree)
• Graduate Student (Earning the master’s degree)
• Graduate Student (Earning the master’s degree)
Please enjoy the recap of the 2024 Commencement below!