Commencement & Graduation Ceremony

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Graduates!

Peninsula College's 64th Commencement will be held on in June, 2026. Peninsula College's graduation ceremonies take place in the air-conditioned gym, with ceremonies at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm, depending on the degree or certificate you have earned. For all students intending to participate in the graduation ceremony, please be sure to Apply to Graduate and review the additional details below to ensure you know where and when to be on graduation day.

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Schedule of Events

11:00 am Graduation Ceremony

Degrees in Associate in Applied Science, Bachelor of Applied Science, Associate in Nursing, One-Year Certificate, and High School Diplomas:

  • 9:30-10:00: Arrive at the Little Theater to check in and pick up your name card.
  • 9:30-10:15: Enjoy our photo booth.
  • 10:15: Orientation in the Little Theater.
  • 10:30: Line up to march on the sidewalk east of the clock tower
  • 10:55: March into venue behind the Board of Trustees, Faculty and a 12-piece bagpipe band
  • 11:00-12:00: Graduation ceremony
  • 12:00: Reception on Robins’ Green (lawn behind PUB, or in the PUB should it rain).

Please be careful exiting the parking lot. There will be graduates arriving for the 1:30 ceremony.

1:30 pm Graduation Ceremony

Degrees in Associate in Arts, Associate in Business, Associate in Computer Science, Associate of Science:

  • 12:00-12:30: Arrive at the Little Theater to check in and pick up your name card.
  • 12:00-12:45: Enjoy our photo booth.
  • 12:45: Orientation in the Little Theater.
  • 1:00: Line up to march on the sidewalk east of the clock tower
  • 1:25: March into venue behind the Board of Trustees, Faculty and a 12-piece bagpipe band
  • 1:30-2:30: Graduation ceremony
  • 2:30: Reception on Robins’ Green (lawn behind PUB, or in the PUB should it rain).
Additional Details for Graduates
  • There is no rehearsal. You will be given instructions on what to do prior to lining up to march. You will be issued a card with your name to be announced when you cross the stage.
  • Guest seating (family and friends) will begin 45 minutes prior to the ceremony you are attending. Please contact Rick Ross (information below) if you, or a guest, has a documented disability requiring special arrangements.
  • Each graduate will receive four tickets. We understand that some families would like more tickets, but we have limited seating. Contact other grads to obtain unused tickets. Also, we will admit un-ticketed guests at the start of each ceremony as space allows.
  • The ceremony will be live streamed and shown in the Pirate Union Building for those who wish to be in a less-crowded or formal setting and those who can’t attend in person.
  • Leave your valuables with your family or at home. We don’t have a place to store them while you march.
  • We will begin lining up 20–30 minutes prior to the ceremony you are attending. The BAS grads will lead the first group (11:00 am) and the ASC will lead the second group (1:30 pm). Otherwise, you will simply form two evenly populated lines. The person in front and behind you are who you will sit next to.
  • Your tassel should be on the right side of your mortar board.
  • You will march into the venue by Pomp and Circumstance. Remain standing until President Ames asks you to be seated.
  • When the time comes for Dr. Hattendorf to call you up to the stage to receive your diploma, please do so one row at a time. Each row will be signaled when to rise and come forward.
  • We will have tape on the floor of the stage showing you where to stop for your photo. All photos will be posted after the ceremony for you to download and share (free).
  • We ask that you please respect the integrity of this college graduation ceremony by refraining from celebrating with any beach balls, noise makers, etc. until the event is over. Then have a blast!
  • When the ceremony concludes, please wait for our ushers to signal for you to exit, one row at a time. You can reunite with your guests on Robins’ Green for a reception.
Nominate a Graduation Speaker

Do you know a graduating classmate who exemplifies what Peninsula College and the power of higher education can do for someone? Someone who's journey towards earning their degree, certificate or diploma should be lifted and shared in celebration of achieving their educational goals? Download the graduation speaker nomination form below and return it to Rick Ross, Associate Dean for Athletics and Student Life, at rross@pencol.edu, at least thirty days before the upcoming commencement date.

Graduation Speaker Nomination Form

Please contact Rick Ross, Associate Dean for Athletics and Student Life, at rross@pencol.edu or (360) 460-0490 with any questions.

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