About Commencement
During the week of May 5, Dordt University will celebrate the academic achievements of this year’s graduates with a series of special ceremonies, including the Nurse Pinning, Undergraduate Commencement, and Master’s Commencement & Hooding. These events mark an important milestone for our students, their families, and the broader Dordt community.
Some events will be livestreamed, for those who wish to join remotely.
For details on the schedule, event logistics, and what to expect, please see the information below.
Schedule of Events
| Thursday, May 8 | Event |
|---|---|
3 p.m. | Nurse Pinning Ceremony |
The nurse pinning ceremony recognizes the dedication and achievements of graduating nursing students at Dordt University.
The ceremony includes words of wisdom from nursing faculty, a keynote address from a nursing professional, and the presentation of nursing pins to each graduate. The pin, depicting the cross of Christ and His enfolding love, serves as a reminder for Dordt nursing graduates to extend that same compassionate care to their patients.
The ceremony will be followed by a light reception for family and friends of nursing graduates.
| Friday, May 9 | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. | Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony |
Dordt University's undergraduate commencement ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of graduating students as they complete their undergraduate studies.
The worship ceremony features a faculty procession in full regalia, a commencement speech delivered by a respected Dordt community member, thanksgiving for God's work in the lives of our students, and the conferral of diplomas to graduates. A lunch reception will be held after the event.
Seating in the B.J. Haan Auditorium is available by ticket only. Overflow seating is available in the De Witt Gymnasium.
| Friday, May 9 | Event |
|---|---|
2 p.m. |
Master's Commencement & Hooding Ceremony |
The master's commencement and hooding ceremony at Dordt University celebrates the hard-earned achievements of graduate students who have completed their master’s degrees.
Many of these graduates have balanced their studies alongside careers, family responsibilities, and other commitments. This ceremony acknowledges their dedication, perseverance, and academic achievement. A light reception will follow for graduates and their families.
Nurse Pinning Ceremony
Nurse Pinning Ceremony Information
May 8, 2025 | B.J. Haan Auditorium | 3 p.m.
The nurse pinning ceremony recognizes the dedication and achievements of graduating nursing students at Dordt University.
Rehearsal for the nurse pinning ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Doors to the B.J. Haan Auditorium will open at 2:30 p.m.
Whether you celebrate with your graduate in person or via our livestream link, we look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!
FAQs: Nurse Pinning Ceremony
- When is the rehearsal for the Nurse Pinning Ceremony?
The rehearsal is at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 in the B.J. Haan Auditorium.
- When do doors open for the ceremony?
Doors to the B.J. Haan Auditorium will open at 2:30 p.m. for guests attending the ceremony.
- When is the Nurse Pinning Ceremony?
The ceremony is at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 in the B.J. Haan Auditorium.
- Do I need tickets to attend the ceremony?
No, you do not need tickets for the Nurse Pinning Ceremony. The event will be livestreamed as well.
- What should I anticipate regarding parking?
Here is a link to the campus parking map.
The preferred entrance into campus is from 7th St. NE. Guests should not try to enter campus from 4th Ave. Guests are encouraged to park in the parking lots on the east side of campus.
Overflow parking lots include: the All Seasons Center lot, the lot east of Sioux Center Middle School (please look out for school children), and the gravel lot near the city's recreational softball diamonds off of 12th St. NE.
Please allow extra time for arrival due to construction on Hwy. 75 through town.
- What should I expect on the day of the event?
We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to allow time for parking and finding your seat. Please note that due to ongoing campus construction, some areas may be affected. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.
- Will professional photos be taken at the Nurse Pinning Ceremony?
A photographer will take a group photo of the nursing graduates prior to the ceremony.
- How can I access my commencement photo?
A digital version of the photo will be emailed to graduates in the months following the ceremony.
- Is there a reception after the Nurse Pinning Ceremony?
Yes, following the ceremony, graduates and their families and friends are invited to a light reception.
- Who should I contact if I have more questions about the Nurse Pinning Ceremony?
If your question is not answered above, please contact us at parents@dordt.edu.
Undergraduate Commencement
Undergraduate Commencement Information
May 9, 2025 | B.J. Haan Auditorium | 9:30 a.m.
Graduates will receive their tickets for seating in the B.J. Haan Auditorium for undergraduate commencement at rehearsal on Monday, May 5. Overflow seating will be available for friends and family who do not have a ticket in the De Witt Gymnasium. The overflow seating will have live video broadcast of the commencement ceremony, and programs will be available.
The B.J. Haan Auditorium doors will be opened at 8:30 a.m., and guests in the auditorium are asked to be seated by 9:25 a.m.
As a memento of this important occasion, the Alumni Office arranges for graduates to be photographed by a photographer as they receive their diplomas. A digital version of the photo will be emailed to the graduate following Commencement. The Alumni Association hosts graduates and their families and friends at a luncheon reception in the Recreation Center immediately following the undergraduate commencement ceremony.
Whether you celebrate with your graduate in person or via our livestream link, we look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!
FAQs: Undergraduate Commencement
- Do I need a ticket to attend the undergraduate commencement ceremony?
You will need a ticket to sit in the B.J. Haan Auditorium. However, there is overflow seating located in the De Witt Gymnasium.
- When will graduates receive their tickets for B.J. Haan Auditorium seating?
Graduates will receive two tickets for B.J. Haan Auditorium seating at commencement rehearsal on Monday, May 5.
- What if my family needs handicap-accessible seating?
Your graduating student will be able to indicate any special seating requests in a survey they will receive in the coming months. Please communicate with your student and discuss how many family members will be attending the ceremony.
- What if my guests don't have tickets for the B.J. Haan Auditorium?
Overflow seating will be available in the De Witt Gymnasium, where a live video broadcast of the ceremony will be shown.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9. Programs will also be available for guests in the De Witt Gymnasium. The ceremony will also be available via livestream.
- What if I want additional tickets to the B.J. Haan Auditorium?
Graduating students can network with classmates to find friends who have tickets to share or who need tickets. Dordt University will not redistribute tickets. Please note that it is illegal to sell tickets, as each graduating student receives two free tickets to the B.J. Haan Auditorium.
- What should I expect when it comes to parking?
Here is a link to the campus parking map.
The preferred entrance into campus is from 7th St. NE. Guests should not try to enter campus from 4th Ave. Guests are encouraged to park in the parking lots on the east side of campus.
Overflow parking lots include: the All Seasons Center lot, the lot east of Sioux Center Middle School (please look out for school children), and the gravel lot near the city's recreational softball diamonds off of 12th St. NE. Additionally, attendants with golf carts will be available to assist those who would like a ride from the parking lot to the venue.
Please allow extra time for arrival due to construction on Hwy. 75 through town.
- What should I expect on commencement day?
We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes early to allow time for parking and getting to your destination. Please note that due to ongoing campus construction, some areas may be affected. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.
- Will professional photos be taken at commencement?
Yes, a photographer will take a picture of each graduate receiving a diploma.
- How can I access my commencement photo?
A digital version of the photo will be emailed to graduates in the weeks following the ceremony.
- Is there a reception after the undergraduate commencement ceremony?
Yes, the Alumni Association hosts a luncheon reception for graduates and their families and friends in the Recreation Center immediately following the undergraduate commencement ceremony.
- Who should I contact if I have more questions about the undergraduate commencement ceremony?
If your question is not answered above, please contact us at parents@dordt.edu.
Master's Commencement
Master's Commencement & Hooding Ceremony Information
May 9, 2025 | B.J. Haan Auditorium | 2 p.m.
Master's graduates will have a brief rehearsal at 1:15 p.m. Doors for the ceremony will open at 1:45 p.m.
As a memento of this important occasion, the Alumni Office arranges for graduates to be photographed by a photographer as they receive their diplomas. A digital version of the photo will be emailed to the graduate following Commencement. Following the ceremony, graduates and their family and friends are invited to a dessert reception in the De Yager Activity Center.
Whether you celebrate with your graduate in person or via our livestream link, we look forward to sharing this special occasion with you!
FAQs: Master's Commencement & Hooding Ceremony
- When is the master’s commencement rehearsal?
A brief rehearsal will be held at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, May 9.
- When do doors open for the ceremony?
Doors to the B.J. Haan Auditorium will open at 1:45 p.m. for guests attending the ceremony.
- Do I need tickets to attend the Master’s Commencement & Hooding Ceremony?
No, guests do not need tickets for the Master’s Commencement & Hooding Ceremony in the B.J. Haan Auditorium on Friday, May 9. The ceremony will be available via livestream as well.
- What should I anticipate regarding parking?
Here is a link to the campus parking map.
The preferred entrance into campus is from 7th St. NE. Guests should not try to enter campus from 4th Ave. Guests are encouraged to park in the parking lots on the east side of campus.
Overflow parking lots include: the All Seasons Center lot, the lot east of Sioux Center Middle School (please look out for school children), and the gravel lot near the city's recreational softball diamonds off of 12th St. NE. Additionally, attendants with golf carts will be available to assist those who would like a ride from the parking lot to the venue. Additionally, attendants with golf carts will be available to assist those who would like a ride from the parking lot to the venue.
Please allow extra time for arrival due to construction on Hwy. 75 through town.
- What should I expect on commencement day?
We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to allow time for parking and finding your seat. Please note that due to ongoing campus construction, some areas may be affected. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.
- Will professional photos be taken at commencement?
Yes, a photographer will capture each graduate receiving a diploma.
- How can I access my commencement photo?
A digital version of the photo will be emailed to graduates in the months following the ceremony.
- Is there a reception after the Master's Commencement & Hooding ceremony?
Yes, following the ceremony, graduates and their families and friends are invited to a dessert reception in the De Yager Activity Center.
- Who should I contact if I have more questions about the Master’s Commencement & Hooding Ceremony?
If your question is not answered above, please contact us at parents@dordt.edu.
Graduate Diploma Frames
The Dordt Campus Store sells diploma frames, which you can order at bookstore.dordt.edu. If you'd like to save on shipping costs, you can select "In-Store Pickup" at checkout and you will be able to pick up your frame at the Campus Store when you arrive. Frames are also available for purchase in the Campus Store. If you're looking for a graduation gift, stop by the Campus Store to check out their wide selection. Campus Store hours are 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. each weekday and if you need help or have questions please contact them at 712-722-6420.
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