Commencement is more than another date on the academic calendar. Taking part in the tradition of "walking" is a rite you have earned. As every student nearing graduation at OWU already knows, you have attended a university that boldly makes the statement that "Jesus is Lord." You heard it at the outset of your OWU experience and you will hear it at the end!
Interestingly, the "end" of your OWU experience is not commemorated with an activity called "cessation" - meaning the ending, but with "commencement"- meaning the beginning. It is the ending of one era and the beginning of another! For us at OWU, Commencement means that you have a future (Jer. 29:11) and that is the reason we gather for this event - to celebrate that future.

The administration, faculty, and the commencement committee feel a responsibilty to not only celebrate your achieved successes, but to offer prayer and spiritual encouragement as well. It is hoped that you, your family and friends experience a benefit of participation - the feeling that you have been blessed and personnally uplifted up by Commencement activities.

May 2006 Commencement article in the Tower Fall 2006 (PDF - 54Kb).
May 2005 Commencement article in the Tower Fall 2005 (PDF - 151Kb).