2026 Commencement & Celebrations Schedule

Grad Fair | Tuesday, May 12, 2026

3:00-5:00 pm | Regency Room, Anderson University Center
Event is open to graduating students only.

All graduating students are expected to attend to pick up important items related to their graduation, including their cap and gown, alumni gift bag and other commencement-related items.

Sponsoring Department: Alumni & Student Connections
Questions: alumni@plu.edu

Grad Fair | Wednesday, May 13, 2026

3:00-5:00 pm | Regency Room, Anderson University Center
Event is open to graduating students only.

All graduating students are expected to attend to pick up important items related to their graduation, including their cap and gown, alumni gift bag and other commencement-related items.

Sponsoring Department: Alumni & Student Connections
Questions: alumni@plu.edu

Spirit of Diversity Awards | Friday, May 15, 2026

5:30-7:00 pm | Scandinavian Cultural Center, Anderson University Center

Event is open to all. Graduating students of color, Queer students and First in Family students are invited to be recognized at this celebration, please look for RSVP information here as the event approaches.

Event Planner: Center for DJS
Questions: djs@plu.edu

Celebration of Leadership | Monday, May 18, 2026

5:30-6:45 pm | Scandinavian Cultural Center, Anderson University Center

All students, staff, and faculty are invited to join as we recognize student leaders from around campus, including graduating students. Students are encouraged to bring any supporters they want to invite, including friends, family, faculty, and staff. Refreshments are served 5:30-6:00pm and the award ceremony begins at 6:00pm. For more information, including how to nominate yourself or others for an award, please visit https://www.plu.edu/campus-life/CoL/.

Event Planner: Alexis Austin
Questions: alexis.austin@plu.edu

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony | Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Time TBA | Lagerquist Concert Hall, Mary Baker Russell Music Center
Event is for ROTC graduates and their supporters (staff & faculty welcome).

Additional details will be available closer to the event.

Sponsoring Department: ROTC
Questions: rotc@plu.edu

President's Toast | Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Time TBA | Olson Gymnasium, Pacific Lutheran University
Event is only for graduates and the faculty or staff they invite.

We invite new PLU graduates to our President’s Toast to commemorate the Class of 2026. Join us as we honor your achievements, celebrate new beginnings, and welcome you to the PLU Alumni family!

Government issued photo ID and registration are required.
Attire is Business Casual.
Please look for RSVP information here as the event approaches.

Sponsoring Department: Alumni & Student Connections
Questions: alumni@plu.edu

Baccalaureate Service: a Service of Blessing & Sending | Thursday, May 21, 2026

12:45-1:45 pm | Lagerquist Concert Hall, Mary Baker Russell Music Center
Baccalaureate: a Service of Blessing & Sending, is for all graduates and their guests.

This gathering is rooted in faith and spiritual traditions and practices, marking this moment of transition with reflection, celebration, gratitude and ritual with your classmates and communities of support.

Attire is whatever feels comfortable and festive to you (no need to wear your cap and gown). Graduates will be invited to come on stage for a portion of the service.

Sponsoring Department: Campus Ministry & Wild Hope Center for Vocation
Questions: cmin@plu.edu

Commencement Ceremonies | Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22, 2026

Times Vary | Olson Gym at Pacific Lutheran University
Commencement is for all graduates and their guests.

College of Health Professions: Thursday, May 21 at 3:00 pm (doors open at 2:00 pm)
College of Professional Studies: Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm)
College of Natural Sciences: Friday, May 22 at 11:00 am (doors open at 10:00 am)
College of Liberal Studies: Friday, May 22 at 3:00 pm (doors open at 2:00 pm)

Sponsoring Department: Office of the Provost
Questions: commencement@plu.edu