Graduation traditions soon to hit campus

The end of the semester and commencement day is fast approaching. This year graduation is on Saturday May, 22 at 2:30 p.m. For those graduating, this is the pinnacle of all that they have worked towards, for the past few years.

A couple days before graduation, graduating seniors are invited to the Senior Send off picnic. The picnic is Thursday May 20 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. in Scout Park. All seniors and all faculty and staff are invited to attend. The Alumni Association Student Board started this yearly tradition about four years ago, with the purpose of bringing seniors, faculty and staff together for one last time before commencement.

Baccalaureate, another classic commencement ceremony, will take place in Schaller Memorial Chapel at 10:30 a.m. the morning of graduation.

As is customary for those students on the BVU campus who were present for Founder’s Day, graduation will be the second time they have walked through the arch. This tradition has been a part of the BVU commencement ceremonies for many years.

The first graduating seniors to walk through the arch, was the class of 1960, who had seen the destruction of Old Main. The first class to walk through the arch on Founder’s Day was the class of 1978.
“The most cherished tradition is the march through the victory arch for the last time,” Director of the Annual Fund and Alumni Relations, Amy Jones said.

Graduating seniors will make their way, lead by the bagpipe player Archie McKay, through the arch for the second and last time. A few members of the class will also ring the victory bell during the procession to the Lamberti Recreation Center. The ringing of the victory bell is the newest tradition being added five years ago by the Alumni Association Student Board (AASB).

“I loved the fact that the graduation celebration brought my family and friends together in one place. Of course, walking back through the Arch accompanied by the bagpipes with my classmates was great,” alumna Anne Blankley said.

“I liked how after we got our degrees from President Moore all the professors that were part of our lives for the past four years lined up to congratulate us and give us a big hug and wish us well for our next set of endeavors,” alumna Jesse Warneke said.

After seniors walk across that stage and become BVU alumni, an after commencement reception will be held on the east lawn of the Siebens Fieldhouse. This reception is a great time for new alumni to take pictures with their family, friends and professors.

“I’m looking forward to having one last good time with all of my friends and moving on to the opportunities that lie ahead,” senior Megan Kruckenberg said.

The week of graduation and the day of is filled with memories that will last for years to come.