Spring Commencement 2026

Commencement

Congratulations, Graduates!  

Information about the Spring ceremony will be sent to students via Central email in March 2026.  

Spring 2026 Commencement will be held on May 16.

9 a.m. Ceremony

Carol A. Ammon College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

School of Business

Gates open at 7:30 am (line up at 8:30 am)  

2:30 p.m. Ceremony

College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

School of Education

School of Engineering, Science, and Technology

Gates open at 1:00 pm (line up at 2:00 pm)  

The ceremonies will last approximately two hours. The inclement weather date Sunday, May 17.

Commencement Speaker: Dr. Brian K. Fowler '11

Dr. Brian K. Fowler is a 2011 graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication and played for the Blue Devils football team as running back. He went on to receive his medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Dr. Fowler is currently a cardiology fellow at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where he plans to pursue advanced training in interventional cardiology. His clinical and research interests include non-invasive cardiology, preventive cardiology, healthcare disparities, and ischemic heart disease.

Since 2021, Dr. Fowler has served in the U.S. Army Reserves and holds the rank of Captain.

Driven by a passion for mentorship, Dr. Fowler regularly works with students and early-career physicians at multiple stages of their professional journeys. With his wife, he co-founded The Brian & Hannah Fowler Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underprivileged high school students pursuing careers in the health professions. He also established the Brian K. Fowler, MD Health Professions Scholarship, awarded annually to seniors at Geneva High School who aspire to be healthcare professionals.

Outside of his professional and service commitments, Dr. Fowler enjoys golf, staying active, cheering on the Buckeye football team, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Brian K. Fowler

Where :

  • Students must park in the Copernicus Parking Garage.  
  • Line-up on the soccer field, located next to the football field.  
  • If you are getting dropped off, the best location is the rotary next to Copernicus Parking Garage off Wells Street.
  • The ceremony takes place on the football field.  
  • Only guests with disabilities are permitted to park in the Kaiser Lot at Arute Stadium. The stadium is accessible, and the Kaiser Lot will have additional space.  

What to Bring :

  • Dress according to the weather. If sunny, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.  
  • Please wear appropriate footwear. You will be walking on grass, turf, asphalt, and staging.  
  • Water stations will be on site for graduates. Water for purchase will be available for guests.  
  • No alcoholic beverages are permitted.  
Student holding diploma at graduation
Dr. Toro at commencement with graduate students
two graduates hugging
Students sitting outside at commencement

Commencement Ceremony - Lightning Safety Plan

In the event of lightning in the area of the stadium, an announcement will be made and everyone in attendance must seek shelter outside the stadium until they are notified that it is safe to return.

  • Family and friends should return to their vehicles or seek shelter in a parking garage.
  • Graduating students should seek shelter in the Gymnasium in Kaiser Hall.
  • Faculty and staff should seek shelter in Hilltop Café or the Rec Center.

Once our staff receives the “All Clear” notification, a horn will sound, and our staff will make announcements that it is safe to return to the stadium and continue the commencement celebration.