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 Bonnie Sowers Nursing 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, 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
10 a.m.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Brunch, Bontrager Student Center dining hall
- $9 adult, $6.75 for children ages 5 to 12
1 to 2 p.m.
Aviation Open House, Laban Peachey Center, aviation classroom
4 p.m.
Commencement, Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary
Following Commencement
Graduation Reception, lawn west of Hesston Mennonite Church
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.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Noon
Dorms Close
Erb Hall and Kauffman Court
