Celebrating Our Graduates

Commencement

Buena Vista University's Commencement ceremonies are held annually, at the conclusion of our Spring Semester. Our next Commencement ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024. 

Student shakes hand with professor at BVU's Commencement.

Commencement Regalia

Click here to order caps and gowns, diploma frames, graduation rings, and more.

Faculty and staff may rent their regalia here

The online order deadline is April 4, 2024.

Career and Personal Development is offering to steam regalia for students the week before commencement (April 22-26) during normal business hours in their office in the Siebens Forum. 

Commencement 2024 Schedule

8 a.m.-1:45 p.m.Name Card Pick-UpRegistrar’s Office
9-10 a.m.Baccalaureate ServiceSchaller Memorial Chapel
9 a.m.-2 p.m.BVU BrunchSodexo Student Dining
10:30 a.m.Line Up for master’s degree program graduatesLawn in front of Schaller Memorial Chapel by school
In case of rain, line up will take place inside Schaller Memorial Chapel
11 a.m.Master’s Degree Commencement CeremonySiebens Fieldhouse
1:30 p.m.Line Up for bachelor’s degree program graduatesLawn in front of Schaller Memorial Chapel by school
In case of rain, line up will take place inside Schaller Memorial Chapel
2 p.m.Bachelor’s Degree Commencement CeremonySiebens Fieldhouse

Baccalaureate Service

Baccalaureate is an opportunity to celebrate our graduates as whole persons - mind, body, soul, and spirit. There will be readings, worship music with a live band, and a message of hope for the future. All are welcome!

The non-denominational service is at 9 a.m. in Schaller Memorial Chapel.

The doors will open at 8:15 a.m.  

Baccalaureate Mass

Commencement Special Accommodation Request

To submit an accommodation, you must use a bvu.edu email address to complete the form.

Commencement Photography

Ceremony Photos is pleased to provide complimentary photography services to each graduate who crosses the stage during the Commencement ceremony. Following the ceremonies, proofs of photos will be available to view and purchase. All ceremony participants will receive an email and link to view their proofs. 

Any questions can be addressed to service@ceremonyphotos.com.
 

Student Olivia Wieseler, Class of 2020, holds her diploma at BVU's Commencement.

BVU Brunch

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sodexo Student Dining Siebens Forum

Brunch: $14 per person 
Champagne Cocktail Brunch: $18 per person
Card only – no cash

Brunch Menu: 
Salad Bar, Omelet Station, Eggs Benedict, Scrambled Eggs, Home Fried Potatoes/Tater Tots, Bacon, Biscuits & Gravy, Chicken Fried Steak, Waffles, Fruit, French Toast, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Donut Holes, Cinnamon Rolls, Caramel Rolls, Better Than Anything Cake, and Soft Serve Ice Cream.

Happy students in cafeteria line

Looking for a gift for your graduate?

Pre-order Gifts Here

Visiting Campus

Explore our academic and residential buildings on our campus map or take the virtual tour. Get step-by-step driving directions to campus.

Parking is available in lots B, D, H, I, K, and L. Mobility-accessible designated lots are B & G. 

BVU will have golf carts available for guests needing a ride from the parking lot(s) to and from the Siebens Fieldhouse. 

BVU's Storm Lake Campus Map

Senior Class Campaign

Since 1992, each BVU senior class has come together to raise funds toward a gift for the university. The senior class campaign is an opportunity for students to begin a lifelong tradition of giving back to BVU, showing support for the University’s continued growth and success.

Stay tuned for this year's project. 

Students on Campus