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.
To those who will or have graduated from CCCK, President Favara says it best when he says,
“We believe that God has a purpose and plan for every student that calls CCCK home. During our time we have shared with you our mission, intended to shape character and prepare you to fulfill God’s unique design for your life. Some of that we have seen while you were with us. Now we wait in great anticipation to see your story unfold your journey continues.”
Graduates of Central – congratulation! May God bless you, your family, and your future as you continue on from this place.
2023 commencement program
2023 Commencement Week Schedule
Friday, May 5
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!
6:45 p.m. Line-up in caps & gowns (McPherson Free Methodist Church)
7:00 p.m. Baccalaureate & Ivy Cutting (Broadhurst Student Center, Upper Dining Room)
Saturday, May 6
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. Hooding, Lunch and Pick up Caps and Gowns* (Broadhurst Student Center, Upper Dining Room)
*If not attending the hooding ceremony, 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)