Central Commencement Moves into P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium

Central College will move the 2026 Commencement ceremony to the P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16.

"Due to the anticipated heat and unpredictable weather for Saturday, we have decided to make adjustments to the location for the safety and comfort of our graduates and their guests," says Mary E.M. Strey, vice president for academic affairs.

Commencement will be livestreamed on the Central Dutch Network and guests with limited mobility are encouraged to watch online as the majority of seats are bleachers in the gymnasium.

The gymnasium doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Water bottles are allowed in the facility. Golf cart shuttles between the parking lot and lobby will be available for guests with limited mobility.

From 8-10 a.m., Max's Coffee and Jaarsma Bakery will offer refreshments for purchase. Small floral bouquets will be available for purchase from Pella Floral and Greenhouse. All vendors will accept both cash and card payments.

Trustee Mike Main, M.D., 1987 Central graduate, will speak, followed by 252 graduates crossing the stage to receive their diploma and shake hands with President Mark Putnam.