Commencement Program - May 2026 - Lindenwood University

2 LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT Welcome to Lindenwood University and to one of the most important ceremonial occasions of the academic year. Filled with tradition and symbolism, Lindenwood’s commencement ceremony reminds us of the noble purpose of colleges and universities and foreshadows our graduates’ future successes. The academic dress worn by the students, faculty, boards, and platform party is described later in this program. Students wearing blue gowns are members of Lindenwood Student Ambassadors, a select group of students dedicated to the positive promotion of Lindenwood University. Their duty as marshals is to direct the processional and seating of students, faculty, board members, and administrators. Academic customs originated within the medieval Church. The order of procession follows ecclesiastical custom with the most honored members of the procession at the end. The flag bearers and the graduating students lead the procession. The faculty follows the students in the processional, and the University Board of Trustees and the platform party follow them. The president, preceded by the university marshal, is the last person to enter the Commencement area. Another tradition, the academic mace, symbolizes the president’s authority. President John Roemer, who served Lindenwood from 1914-1940, commissioned the mace proudly displayed at the front of the stage. The mace is a staff of linden wood surmounted by a silver cup, and Lindenwood only brandishes it on special occasions where the faculty and president are conducting a formal proceeding. To complete the rich blend of time and community, the mace is flanked on the platform by the flag of the United States of America and by the Lindenwood University flag. Honors offer another example of classic symbolism. At commencement, a university typically bestows three types of Latin honors. In order of increasing honor, they are as follows: Cum Laude, “with praise”; Magna Cum Laude, “with great praise”; and Summa Cum Laude, “with highest praise.” Lindenwood offers three additional forms of recognition. University Honors recognizes students who graduate with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 and complete at least eight courses with Honors distinction, Community Service Honors recognizes students who complete 500 honors of qualified community services, and Veteran Honors recognizes graduates who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. During Lindenwood’s Commencement ceremony, the candidates for degrees are presented to the president by the university’s executive administrative officers. Each student’s name is read, and the president presents the diploma to that student and congratulates the new graduate. The student is also congratulated by the academic dean of their program. Once all the degrees have been conferred, the flag bearers lead the recessional in reverse order of entry with the newest alumni at the end of the procession. Today is a momentous occasion, and we appreciate your participation in honoring today’s graduates. To ensure all guests and participants have a safe, enjoyable experience, we ask that you respect the protocols we have in place. Please remain in your seats during the ceremony. During the conferring of degrees, please refrain from prolonged cheering until all of the graduates have been presented. Finally, once the ceremony has concluded, please exit the facility to celebrate with your graduate. Thank you again for joining us for today’s celebration. You are a valued member of the Lindenwood community, and our graduates would not have made it here without you. As a participant or audience member at Lindenwood University’s Commencement ceremony, you may be photographed and those photographs may be used on the Lindenwood website and for promotional efforts by the university.