Ovation Festival

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Ovation is BW's annual celebration of student achievement, showcasing student success in research, scholarship, experiential learning, the arts and more.

Ovation 2026 highlights activities that demonstrate how BW prepares students to be leader-ready, career-ready, and future-ready.

This signature event highlights student achievements from every school of the university. Students demonstrate their achievements by performing original musical compositions or short plays; reading original essays, stories or poems; giving video or slide presentations; exhibiting artwork; or presenting research posters.

Participants in the Day of Excellence must complete the submission process and have a faculty mentor who sponsors their work and gives approval to present.

Schedule of Events

11:00 a.m.

Welcome Ceremony
Hear remarks by President Lee Fisher and Interim Provost Cathy Dollard.
Atrium, Knowlton Center

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Poster Session 1
Knowlton Center and Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG)

Noon – 3:00 p.m.

Oral Presentations
107, 109, 213 and 248, Knowlton Center
105, 106, 107 and 108, Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG)

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Lounge
Meet student entrepreneurs and alumni founders at this interactive trade show.
Atrium, Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG)

AI Playground
Learn about new AI tools and how to use them from Digital Marketing Center student business consultants.
Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG)

BW Trivia Zone
Win prizes with your knowledge of BW and help to create content for our sponsor, Trebisky Game Show Buzzers.
Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG)

Photo Voice
First-year students express their BW experience.
Knowlton Center

1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Poster Session 2
Knowlton Center and Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG)

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Engineering Capstone Presentations
Surrarrer Auditorium, Telfer Hall

Lunch and Snacks

Special Ovation $10 lunch available in Strosacker Hall from noon – 1:30 p.m.

Ice cream and snacks will be available in the area between the Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG) and Knowlton Center from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.