Schedule of Events
The 2026 Commencement Weekend will celebrate cherished Carthage traditions at several memorable events. For ticketed events, Carthage remains committed to ensuring graduates can share this special milestone with as many guests as venue capacity allows.
Thursday, March 26
Grad Fair*
3 p.m.-6 p.m., Campbell Student Union Living Room
Graduates will pick up their cap and gown, receive tickets, and be able to engage with other offices to learn about post-graduation opportunities. Light snacks and beverages will be served. If you are unable to attend the Grad Fair, you will be able to pick up your tickets at a later date—more details will be sent to graduates in spring 2026.
Friday, May 22
Graduate Celebration Lunch*
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Todd Wehr Center Cafeteria
Join fellow graduates, faculty, and staff, where you’ll receive your official Carthage alumni lapel pin to wear with pride in the years ahead.
* For graduates, faculty, and staff only.
Graduate Rehearsal*
1 p.m., N. E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center Field House
*For graduates only.
Baccalaureate Service
5 p.m., N. E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center Field House
Join the Carthage community in this cherished, sacred tradition for graduates, families, faculty, and staff. Baccalaureate is an opportunity to bless graduates as they move to the next phase of life. The Baccalaureate Service is rooted in Carthage’s Lutheran heritage and includes hymns, prayers, and opportunities to pause, reflect, celebrate, and offer gratitude for graduates’ time at Carthage. No tickets required; also viewable via livestream.
Commencement Ceremony
7 p.m., N. E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center Field House
Experience the rich traditions of Carthage’s Commencement during this inspiring ceremony, where the entire class of 2026 celebrates together. Highlights include the formal procession of faculty and graduates, band and choral performances, and remarks from the Distinguished Senior and Carthage’s president. The evening culminates with the conferring of degrees, the official act by Carthage that grants a formal academic award—Bachelor’s or Master’s degree—upon graduates, recognizing they’ve successfully met all educational requirements. Tickets required; also viewable via livestream.
Saturday, May 23
A.M. Graduation Ceremony: School of Business & Economics; Natural & Social Sciences
10 a.m., N. E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center Field House
Celebrate the accomplishments of graduates during this formal ceremony. Highlights include the traditional faculty procession, inspiring remarks from distinguished faculty, and the proud moment when graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas. This program is expected to last approximately two (2) hours. Tickets required; also viewable via livestream.
School of Business & Economics Reception
Noon-1:30 p.m.,
Clausen Center
Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates! Light refreshments will be provided.
Natural & Social Sciences Reception
Noon-1:30 p.m.,
Straz Center Atrium
Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates! Light refreshments will be provided.
P.M. Graduation Ceremony: Arts & Humanities, Education Department, School of Health
2 p.m., N. E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center Field House
Celebrate the accomplishments of graduates during this formal ceremony. Highlights include the traditional faculty procession, inspiring remarks from distinguished faculty, and the proud moment when graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas. This program is expected to last approximately two (2) hours. Tickets required; also viewable via livestream.
Arts & Humanities, Education Department Reception
4-5:30 p.m., Johnson Center, VPAL
Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates! Light refreshments will be provided.
School of Health Reception
4-5:30 p.m., Lentz Hall
Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates! Light refreshments will be provided.
*Carthage celebrates graduates by grouping the four academic divisions in pairs–a morning and afternoon graduation ceremony. Graduates will be notified by email in early February 2026.
Reminder: Residence halls close at 7 p.m.
Graduates living in campus housing are required to check out and return their keys to their hall director before departing campus.