Commencement

Fall 2021 Commencement: Saturday, December 11

Baldwin Wallace University proudly celebrates the many accomplishments of its 2021 graduates.

It's time to celebrate!

On Saturday, December 11, BW will host the fall commencement ceremony. In addition, commencement will be live streamed for relatives and friends who cannot attend. A special link will be available on this page a few days prior to the ceremony.

The conferring of degrees ceremony for students receiving a master's degree and students receiving a bachelor's degree will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, in Ursprung Gymnasium, Lou Higgins Recreation Center. View location on the campus map.

Information for Graduates and Guests Attending Commencement

All individuals are required to wear masks while indoors at Baldwin Wallace. Guests and graduates are required to wear masks throughout the commencement ceremony. To maintain the health safety of all guests, attendance is restricted to four guests per graduate.

Graduating students may invite up to four (4) guests each to commencement day events. Tickets are available online. Please follow the directions for a secure download of tickets. Guests will be asked to present printed tickets or show their tickets on their phones at the commencement site entrance. Unused tickets may be shared with other families.

Commencement Day, December 11, 2021, Celebration Events

Baccalaureate Service at 10 a.m. – Fynette Kulas Music Hall, Boesel Musical Arts Center

All members of the BW community and their families are invited to an ecumenical service in honor of our graduating students. Rev. John Gordon will preside, and faculty and student leaders will conduct the ceremony. View location on the campus map.

President's Reception at 11 a.m. - 1:00. p.m. – Strosacker Union Ballroom

All graduating students and their families are invited to a reception prior to commencement. Light refreshments will be served by BW Dining Services. This event is an opportunity for families to gather and prepare for the commencement ceremony. View location on the campus map.

Commencement Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. – Ursprung Gymnasium, Lou Higgins Recreation Center

Conferring of degrees for all graduating master's and bachelor’s candidates begins promptly at 2:00 p.m. Richard Fletcher, retired senior vice president for Baldwin Wallace, will be delivering the commencement address. Special seating is available for those with mobility issues. We ask that all guests act with respect toward each other and provide distance between family units while seated in the stands. View location on the campus map.

Commencement Speaker

Richard "Dick" Fletcher '70, MBA '76 is being welcomed back to his alma mater as the keynote speaker. Fletcher served under five BW presidents during his nearly 50 years of employment at Baldwin Wallace. 

Caps, Gowns and Hoods

All graduates are required to wear a graduation cap and gown, or a hood for master's degree recipients, the BW bookstore is ready to help you. You can visit the bookstore online or come into the store. Please contact the bookstore now to ensure timely delivery of caps, gowns and hoods.

Virtual Rehearsal and Procession Lineup

All graduates will receive email communications from the Marshal of Commencement to confirm their participation and provide information on arrival times, lineup and procession. Please look for emails from marshal@bw.edu. If you need special accommodations to participate in commencement, please notify the marshal. It is important that you watch the following rehearsal video to find out where, when and how to process into commencement.

Graduation Photos

BW has partnered with GradImages photography service to provide graduate photo packages. All graduates will be directed to a photo station immediately after exiting the stage and have a professional photo taken. Graduates will receive an email from GradImages with ordering details. Note: There is no obligation to purchase a photo package.

Graduation Mailing

Once final grades are recorded (approximately one month after the end of fall semester), you will receive a mailing with your official diploma. If you have changed your address in the last year, please contact the One Stop to update your address.