Commencement Weekend is a time to reflect, rejoice and recognize the journey of every graduating Hesston student. Through music, stories and shared meals, we come together as a campus and community to celebrate achievements and send of the graduating class with pride and hope for all that lies ahead. Join us for a weekend full of meaningful moments and lasting memories.
Friday, May 15, 2026
8 a.m.
Nursing Pinning rehearsal, Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary
10:30 a.m.
Graduation rehearsal, Start in Campus Activities Center & finish in Yost Center
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Brunch, Bontrager Student Center dining hall
- $9 adult, $6.75 for children 5 to 12 years old
2 p.m.
Theatre Showcase and Student-Directed One-Act Play, Keim Center, Black Box Theater
Acting I and Acting II students will perform monologues, movement and scene work from this past semester. Immediately following, a short one-act play, directed by Anja Martinez, will be performed as a final requirement for the Directing course.
4 p.m.
Student Recital, Keim Center, Black Box Theater
Alyssa Coonce, voice; Misaki Kurata, tuba and voice; Ethan Thompson, voice
5 to 6 p.m.
Dinner, Bontrager Student Center dining hall
- $9 adult, $6.75 for children 5 to 12 years old
7 p.m.
Music and Memories: A concert celebrating Ken Rodgers’ four decades at Hesston College, Hesston Mennonite Church
Saturday, May 16, 2026
8 to 9 a.m.
Breakfast, Bontrager Student Center dining hall
- $9 adult, $6.75 for children ages 5 to 12
8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Aviation Open House, Newton City/County Airport, Hesston College Hangar
8:30 a.m.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary
11 a.m.
Commencement, Yost Center
Following Commencement
New Alumni Reception, Lark Plaza east of Yost Center
The Alumni Association cordially invites graduates and their families to a come-and-go reception with refreshments immediately following Commencement. All are welcome to stop by, celebrate together, and graduates can pick up a special gift.
Noon
Lunch, Larks Nest
To-go bags will be available in the Larks Nest
8 p.m.
Dorms close
