Commencement
Spring 2023 Commencement: Saturday, May 6
Baldwin Wallace University proudly celebrates the many accomplishments of its 2023 graduates.
It's Time to Celebrate!
On Saturday, May 6, BW will host the spring commencement 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, May 6, 2023, in Ursprung Gymnasium, Lou Higgins Recreation Center.
Livestream Video
Livestream video of the commencement ceremony will be available for relatives and friends who cannot attend.
Commencement Day, May 6, 2023, Celebration Events
Parking
Almost all parking on campus is open on the day of commencement. No parking is allowed in fire zones. The BW parking lot located immediately west of the Lou Higgins Recreation Center is designated for accessible parking to accommodate any graduates, families, or guests with a disability placard and those with limited mobility. Accessible parking is also available in every lot on campus. Contact Parking Services at (440) 826-2410 if you have questions prior to the day of commencement. Contact Safety and Security at (440) 826-2336 if you have questions on the day of commencement.
Baccalaureate Service
10:00 a.m., Gamble Auditorium, Kulas Musical Arts Building, 96 Front St., Berea
Baccalaureate is a non-denominational service that gives thanks for the achievements of the graduates, celebrates the completion of their academic careers, and asks for God's blessings on their futures. Rev. C.J. Harkness will preside, faculty and student leaders will conduct the ceremony, and Dr. Lewis Sage will be the speaker. All students and families are invited to attend.
President's Reception
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Strosacker Hall Ballroom, 125 Tressel St., Berea
The President's Reception welcomes all graduates and their families and guests to celebrate their achievements together with President and Mrs. Helmer. This informal event features a buffet with substantial hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. Formal dress is not required, and reservations are not necessary. Caps and gowns are not worn at this time. (Individual academic departments may host receptions for graduating seniors and parents. Contact departments directly for information.)
White Rose Ceremony
12:00 p.m., Strosacker Hall (front steps), 125 Tressel St., Berea
Rain location: Sandstone 3, Strosacker Hall (lower level)
The White Rose Ceremony is held annually during Spring Commencement weekend in memory of Philura Gould Baldwin. An oration is given by one of the selected women, and a portion of the White Rose song is sung. A white rose serves as a memorial to the honoree.
Philura Gould Baldwin, 1886, was the granddaughter of John Baldwin, founder of Baldwin University. As an undergraduate, Philura collected books, cataloging them according to Dewey's new decimal system, to begin a library. The traditional colors of brown and gold, which carried over from Baldwin University, had been Philura's suggestion. Following her death from consumption at age 26, Philura's parents donated funds for a library that was dedicated in her memory in June 1894. The building still stands today as part of the Malicky Center.
Conferring of Degrees Ceremony
2:00 p.m., Ursprung Gymnasium, Lou Higgins Recreation Center, 136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea
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, May 6, 2023.
Arrival time:
- Graduates are to arrive early and report to the Lou Higgins Recreation Center by 1:15 p.m.
- Guests should be seated in Ursprung Gymnasium by 1:45 p.m. Tickets are required for guests.
Accessible seating:
Accessible seating is available on the floor of Ursprung Gymnasium. Please see an usher for assistance.
Commencement Speaker
Paul Clark, BW MBA graduate '81, will be the keynote speaker. Mr. Clark served as regional president for PNC Bank in Cleveland and has been on the board of trustees for Baldwin Wallace University since 2009. He also has been a board member for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland Council on World Affairs, and Gordon Square Arts District, among others. Clark has been an ongoing advocate for the region, and his legacy includes the creation of the PNC Fairfax Connection, a community resource center providing free programming for individuals in Cleveland. His work to improve access to high-quality early childhood education led to millions in grants to local organizations serving the community. Read more on Paul Clark.
Preparing for Commencement Day
Caps, Gowns and Hoods
Bachelor's degree students are required to wear a cap and gown. Master's degree students are required to wear a tam, hood and gown. The last day to order caps, gowns, tams or hoods is April 30. Please contact the bookstore now to ensure timely delivery.
Tickets
Graduating students may invite up to six (6) 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. To request additional tickets, email info@bw.eduusing your BW email address and include the number of tickets you would like. Please note: Tickets are limited, and we may not be able to fulfill all requests.
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 a few weeks before commencement. 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.
After Commencement Day
Graduation Photos
BW has partnered with GradImages to provide graduate photos. All graduates will be directed to a photo station immediately after exiting the stage and have a photo taken. For information about ordering photos, visit GradImages online, contact their customer service department at (800) 261-2576 or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net.
Graduation Mailing
Once final grades are recorded (approximately one month after the end of spring semester), you will receive a mailing with your official diploma. If you have changed your address in the last year, please complete the request for change of record form. If you are having trouble accessing the form, or no longer have access to your BW login, address change requests can be emailed to webregis@bw.edu.
Future Commencement Dates*
Fall 2023 - December 9
Spring 2024 - May 4
Fall 2024 - December 14
Spring 2025 - May 10
*Subject to change