Northland College is pleased to announce its 112th Commencement Ceremony, which will take place on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. in Ponzio Stadium. All are invited to attend and celebrate as we recognize the achievements of Northland College’s 2023 graduating seniors.
“We are incredibly proud of our graduates and all that they have accomplished during their time at Northland College,” said President Chad Dayton.
Danielle Hewitt, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, will be the student speaker at Commencement. Hewitt, who will be graduating with a degree in psychology and business administration, was very active on campus, holding leadership positions with the Northland College Student Association and Eco-Reps, as well as participating in Environmental Council, Student Publications, and Climbing Club. After graduation, Hewitt will be working as a comprehensive community services program coordinator and youth mentor at Pleasant Valley Youth Ranch in Eleva, Wisconsin.
The Commencement Ceremony will also be livestreamed, and the program book will be made available online. The Ceremony will be held outdoors, and attendees should plan accordingly for the weather. In the event of severe weather, it will be moved to the Chapple Family Gymnasium.
Northland College will hold a number of additional festivities leading up to the Ceremony itself.
On Thursday, May 25, guests are invited to attend The Last Lecture, “Life as an Expedition,” presented by Professor Elizabeth Andre. The Last Lecture, which will also be livestreamed, will be held at 5 p.m. in the Ponzio Campus Center’s Alvord Theatre. A Commencement BOND-fire will follow at 6 p.m. at the Wheeler Fire Ring.
Friday, May 26, will see the return of the Baccalaureate Ceremony at 4 p.m. This longstanding Northland tradition offers a moment of reflection as students prepare for the next chapter in their lives. Following the Baccalaureate Ceremony, graduates and guests are invited to the Campus Mall at 5 p.m. for a Champagne Toast to celebrate the Class of 2023. Attendees are asked to RSVP for these two events. Baccalaureate will also be livestreamed, and guests do not need to register to join virtually. The night will conclude with The Confluence, which kicks off at 6 p.m. at Howard Pearson Plaza Park in downtown Ashland. Hosted by the Northland College Student Association, students, families, and friends are invited to mingle and enjoy refreshments, drinks, and live music on the shore of Lake Superior.
“We look forward to celebrating with our graduates and their loved ones, and to watching them go on to achieve great things in their lives and careers,” President Dayton shared. “Congratulations to the Class of 2023!”
For more information about the Commencement Ceremony and other festivities, as well as to find livestream information or to RSVP for Baccalaureate and the Champagne Toast, please visit www.northland.edu/commencement.
