Additional information will be posted as it is finalized. Please check back often.

Letter to Parents of Graduating Seniors 

Baccalaureate is a religious service that traditionally precedes graduation. Baccalaureate has been a part of the Hastings College commencement activities since 1883.

Location: First Presbyterian Church, 621 N. Lincoln Avenue

Caps and gowns are required for Baccalaureate. 

Graduates will assemble along the sidewalk on Lincoln Avenue at 5:30 p.m. It is not necessary for you to march in any particular order at this event; however, if you want to sit next to a friend, he or she should be in front or back of you in the procession. Caps and gowns are to be worn. Men are to remove their caps immediately following the procession. Women may also remove their caps, if they so choose. In case of bad weather, students will line up in the hallway of the education wing (outside of the church offices). Tassels are worn to the right until after graduation.  

The Baccalaureate speaker will be the Reverend Katie Anderson '04, Chaplain of Oncology Services for Norton Hospital and Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, Ky.

Immediately following the Baccalaureate service, a reception for graduates and their families will be held in the Circle Drive in front of French Memorial Chapel for you and all of your family. In the event of bad weather, the reception will be moved to Hazelrigg Student Union.

Location: Lynn Farrell Arena, Osborne Family Sports Complex, 800 E. 12th St.

Caps and gowns are required for commencement.

Parking will be at a premium near the sports complex. We ask that you leave those spaces for guests and park in other lots on campus and walk to the arena. Graduates will assemble at 9:15 a.m. in the lower level.  YOU NEED TO BE THERE NO LATER THAN 9:30.  When you come in the front doors you will be directed to the east stairway to line up under your name on the wall.

The academic procession will form as follows:

1. Platform Party 

2. Board of Trustees 

3. Emeriti Faculty 

4. Faculty and Staff 

5. Honor Graduates - Bachelor of Arts (in order of class rank)

6. Bachelor of Arts Graduates (in alphabetical order)

7. Honor Graduates - Bachelor of Music (in order of class rank)

8. Bachelor of Music Graduates (in alphabetical order)

9. Master of Arts in Teaching Graduates (in alphabetical order)

Graduates will be seated in front of the stage on the west side of the arena floor. Do not leave any empty chairs in your row. Men are to remove their caps while seated during Commencement; women may do so, if they choose. Dean Johnson will tell you when to stand and approach the stage. Graduates will approach the steps on the west side of the stage in rows. Hats are worn as you move to the stage to accept your degree and for the recession. After receiving your diploma, exit down the east stairs of the stage. Go back to your seat and remain standing until your entire row has returned. After your row has returned, turn your tassels from right to left as a group and sit down. At the conclusion of the ceremony, marshals will lead graduates in a recessional down the center aisle.

Following Commencement, guests are asked to remain seated until all faculty and students have recessed from the arena floor. Parents will meet you on the lawn outside the arena. 

The arena will open at 9:00 AM for unreserved audience seating in the stands. Seating for persons with disabilities is on the arena floor, which is accessible by elevator. Room FC 147 of the Fleharty Educational Center (adjoining the arena) will be available for parents with young children. Daycare staff will not be provided.  

For family and friends who are unable to attend the event in person, HCMediaOnline will provide a webstream.

William Langford '92, Global Head of Compliance Architecture and Strategy for Citigroup, will serve as the Commencement Speaker.

A lunch buffet will follow Commencement until 1:30 PM in Hazelrigg Student Union. Your graduate is entitled to three free buffet tickets, which can be picked up in the Office of Marketing and Communications before Friday, May 10. At that time, they may also purchase additional tickets at $8.25 for adults and $6.00 for children 6-12. Children 5 years and under are free. Tickets purchased at the door will be at a slightly higher cost.  

Traditional and personalized announcements, in addition to other graduation items (thank you notes, tassels, etc.) are available from Cornhusker Press in downtown Hastings. Use the graduation catalog and graduation announcement order form to meet your needs.

• Hastings Area Hotels (goes to Convention and Visitors Bureau)

• Personalized Brick Honor your graduate with a personalized brick for the entrance way at the “Alumni Home” the Barrett Alumni Center. Contact the Alumni Association for more information 800-775-2585.