Northwest to celebrate spring, summer graduates May 1-2

Northwest to celebrate spring, summer graduates May 1-2

Northwest Missouri State University will celebrate the achievements of its latest class of graduating students during spring commencement ceremonies in Bearcat Arena.

Northwest will host four ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2. The ceremonies will honor University students completing degrees during the spring semester as well as students completing degrees during the institution's summer session.

Dr. Matt Baker, who began work in March as the president of Emporia State University after more than 30 years in student-centered roles at Northwest, will give a commencement address at each of the ceremonies.

"Commencement weekend is a special time at Northwest when we recognize all that our graduates have accomplished during their years at the University," Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum said. "We look forward to welcoming our graduates' families and loved ones to the campus, and we look forward to Dr. Baker returning to share his wisdom and knowledge, gained throughout his years of working with and advocating for our students."

Baker served as Northwest's vice president of student affairs from 2011 until leaving Northwest this spring. In that role, he was charged with the promotion of student learning and development, aligning student programs and services with academic success, and advocating for students while administering University policies and procedures. He also served in residential life roles and as dean of students at Northwest.

More than 1,500 students are expected to complete degrees at the University this spring and summer, with about 750 earning bachelor's degrees, nearly 600 receiving master's degrees and nearly 200 earning education specialist degrees.

Information for graduating students

Students must apply for graduation through CatPAWS, by clicking the Student tab under Student Records. Once approved for degree completion by the Office of the Registrar or the Graduate Office, students begin receiving information, via email, with information regarding their participation in a commencement ceremony.

Graduates participating in commencement ceremonies may pick up caps and gowns between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday, April 27, through Wednesday, April 29. Caps and gowns also may be picked up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30, in the Student Recreation Center, in conjunction with Northwest's annual Grad Fest from 4 to 6 p.m.

Grad Fest celebrates Northwest's newest graduates with a cash bar, music, games, photo opportunities and giveaways.

Caps and gowns also are available at the Student Recreation Center one hour before each ceremony.

Due to the high number of graduates participating in commencement ceremonies this spring, Northwest is requiring tickets for all attendees. Each participating graduate has the option to reserve up to seven tickets, beginning Thursday, March 19; the deadline to reserve tickets is Tuesday, April 7.

To accommodate guests who cannot attend, Northwest offers a live online stream of each ceremony at https://www.nwmissouri.edu/live. Northwest encourages graduates, families and friends to interact with Northwest social media before, during and after the commencement ceremonies by using the hashtag #NWGrad.

For more details about commencement ceremonies at Northwest, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit https://www.nwmissouri.edu/graduation/.