Commencement

Rehearsal for all eligible graduating students will be held Friday, May 8, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in Ursprung Gymnasium in the Lou Higgins Recreation Center, 136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea.

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, asks for God's blessings on their futures and celebrates the completion of their academic careers. All students, families and guests are welcome 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

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. 

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

2:00 p.m., Ursprung Gymnasium in Lou Higgins Recreation Center, 136 E. Bagley Rd., Berea

Caps and gowns are required during the entire ceremony. Spring commencement ceremony usually lasts approximately two and a half hours. Guests should plan to be in their seats no later than 1:45 p.m. in order to see the entire procession.

Gina Vernaci, president and CEO of Playhouse Square

With a master’s degree in Urban Studies, Gina Vernaci understands what it takes to make a city thrive and has been part of the leadership vision to make the arts and entertainment a crucial part of Northeast Ohio’s economy. She has led initiatives to position Playhouse Square as the region’s premier cultural and entertainment destination, including the expansion of Playhouse Square’s KeyBank Broadway Series from 8 to 24 performances for each engagement and growing the season ticket holder base for the series to the largest in the nation.

BW is pleased to welcome to campus keynote speaker Gina Vernaci, president and CEO of Playhouse Square.

Tickets are required for Commencement and will be available for pick up at the Buzz on Front, 100 Front St., beginning Thursday, April 9. Each student will receive six tickets.

Accessible seating is available on the ground level. The person needing accessible seating may be accompanied by one individual. Guests should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. and inform the usher upon arrival.

Almost all parking on campus is open on the day of commencement. No parking is allowed in fire zones. Accessible parking is available in every lot on campus. A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available in the lots adjacent to the Lou Higgins Recreation Center. Contact Parking Services at (440) 826-2333 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.

To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, please contact (440) 826-2325 at least two weeks prior to the Commencement ceremony. 

The BW Bookstore is one-stop shopping for all of your graduation needs: academic regalia (cap, gown, tassel) as well as class rings, personalized announcements, diploma frames and campus memorabilia.

GradImages is a professional company that takes several photos of each graduate — including the moment he/she walks across the stage. Proofs are mailed to students, along with an order form, directly from GradImages. Contact GradImages at (800) 261-2576 or ecc.giservice@gradimages.net with any questions regarding photography. Preregister at gradimages.com and click on Pre-Event Registration.

To view and download photos after the ceremony, visit BW on flickr. A free flickr account is required to download photos. You can also visit the BW Facebook page the week following commencement to view photos from the event. 

The commencement ceremony is streamed live and then archived.

2020

Fall - Saturday, December 12, 2020

2021

Spring - Saturday, May 8, 2021
Fall - Saturday, December 11, 2021

2022

Spring - Saturday, May 7, 2022
Fall - Saturday, December 10, 2022

2023

Spring - Saturday, May 6, 2023