Northwest to celebrate spring, summer graduates May 2-3

Northwest graduates celebrate at the conclusion of one of the University's commencement ceremonies in December. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

Northwest Missouri State University will celebrate the achievements of its latest class of graduating students during spring commencement ceremonies in Bearcat Arena.

Northwest will host four ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, and 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3. The ceremonies will honor University students completing degrees during the spring semester as well as students completing degrees during the institution’s summer session.

Northwest Provost Dr. Jamie Hooyman congratulates a graduate as he crosses the commencement stage in December. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

“Northwest has always been an institution that focuses on student success, and we want to make sure our students achieve their goals and graduate,” Dr. Jamie Hooyman, Northwest’s provost and chief academic officer, said. “We are so proud of our 2025 graduates and cannot wait to see their impact on our communities and world. We believe in them, their dreams and their future success.”

More than 1,400 students are expected to complete degrees at the University this spring and summer, with about 700 earning bachelor’s degrees, more than 600 receiving master’s degrees and at least 100 earning education specialist degrees.

Students must apply for graduation through CatPAWS, by clicking the Student tab under Student Records. Once approved for degree completion by the Office of the Registrar or the Graduate Office, students begin receiving information, via email, with information regarding their participation in a commencement ceremony.

Graduates participating in commencement ceremonies may pick up caps and gowns between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, April 28, through Thursday, May 1, in the Student Recreation Center.

Caps and gowns also are available at the Student Recreation Center one hour before each ceremony.

Due to the high number of graduates participating in commencement ceremonies this spring, Northwest is requiring tickets for all attendees. Each participating graduate will have the option to reserve up to eight tickets, beginning Wednesday, April 2.

To accommodate guests who cannot attend, Northwest offers a live online stream of each ceremony at www.nwmissouri.edu/live. Northwest encourages graduates, families and friends to interact with Northwest social media before, during and after the commencement ceremonies by using the hashtag #NWGrad.

For more details about commencement ceremonies at Northwest, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/graduation/.