COMMENCEMENT AT CENTRAL
In September 1884, under the leadership of Principal Damon, Orleans Seminary opened its doors. Later, in 1914, the College moved to McPherson, KS under a new name, “Central Academy and College”. Since that time, much has changed at the institution now known as Central Christian College of Kansas, but its mission – the one Principal Damon envisioned many years ago – has stayed the same: to provide a “Christ-Centered Education for Character” to each and every person who walks through its doors.
For nearly a century and a half, Central has maintained that mission and seen thousands graduate through its doors and on their way to lead lives of character and service – all to the glory of God.
Graduation, or rather Commencement, as it is more formally known, is typically just known as a ceremony in which students are recognized for their academic achievements. But at Central, it means so much more. At Central, it means a celebration of what God has done in the lives of each and every graduate and what he will continue to do.
2024 Commencement Week Schedule
Monday, April 29 – Thursday, May 3
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Residential graduates pick up caps & gowns (Registrar’s Office)*
*Fall graduates can pick up at Graduation Practice
Friday, May 3
Tiger Central Store open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Briner Library)
4:00 p.m. Graduation Practice (McPherson Free Methodist Church) Required for all residential graduates!
Saturday, May 4
Tiger Central Store open 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Briner Library)
Residential (SAS)
9:00 a.m. Guest seating opens (McPherson Free Methodist Church)
9:15 a.m. Class & Departmental Photos (front of Science Hall)
9:30 a.m. Line-up (front of Science Hall)
10:00 a.m. Commencement (McPherson Free Methodist Church)
Immediately following Graduate Reception (M.B. Miller Plaza)
Tiger Central Store open 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Briner Library)
Online (SPE)
11:30 a.m. Celebration Fair and Check-in/Pick up caps & gowns (Fellowship Hall, Free Methodist Church)*
*A photo opportunity for the graduate (with family/friends if desired) will be available
1:00 p.m. Guest seating opens (McPherson Free Methodist Church)
1:00 p.m. Class Photo (front of Science Hall)
1:30 p.m. Line-up (front of Science Hall)
2:00 p.m. Commencement (McPherson Free Methodist Church)
Immediately following Graduate Reception (M.B. Miller Plaza)
Graduate (SGS)
12:00 p.m. Please pick up cap and gown from Fellowship Hall, Free Methodist Church
1:00 p.m. Class Photo (front of Science Hall)
1:30 p.m. Line Up (front of Science Hall)
2:00 p.m. Commencement (McPherson Free Methodist Church)
