As graduation approaches, Southern Nazarene University has planned several special events to celebrate the Class of 2025. These are your last opportunities to connect with your classmates, make memories, and celebrate all you’ve accomplished. Mark your calendars, and don’t miss out!
The celebration kicks off on Tuesday, April 8th, with the Be Your Best You Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the main floor of the Commons. This event, hosted by SNU’s Career Education office, offers “Adulting” tips and tricks to help prepare you for life beyond SNU. It’s a great chance to gain valuable insights as you head into the next chapter of your life.
On Friday, April 11th, at 6:00 p.m., seniors are invited to the Senior Supper at the Devon Boathouse. This event is a nostalgic bookend to the Southern Supper from your NSI days. You’ll enjoy dinner, desserts, Senior Superlatives, and more. Don’t miss this final chance to share a meal and make memories.
Thursday, May 1st brings the Senior Sunset at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Overholser. Like Senior Sunrise on your first morning of classes, this event provides a beautiful way to close your SNU journey. You’ll share dinner, desserts, and an Oklahoma sunset with your senior class, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your college experience and cherish friendships.
The excitement continues on Friday, May 2nd, with a full day of commencement activities. The day starts at 10:30 a.m. with the Honors & Recognition Ceremony at Herrick Auditorium, followed by the Theology Senior Commissioning at 12:30 p.m. in the Bethany First Church Chapel. At 1:30 p.m., nursing students will participate in the Pinning & Reception at Herrick Auditorium. The day’s highlight is the Baccalaureate Service at 7:00 p.m. at Bethany First Church, where the President’s Award will be presented. Afterward, students will gather at the Lamp of Learning on the Campus Mall for the Ivy Ring Ceremony, a cherished tradition where students connect with their department majors and professors. The evening concludes with the Senior Graphic Design Show and Reception.
On May 3rd, the College of Undergraduate Studies Commencement will be held at 10:00 a.m. According to Senior Kimalee Cook, this is the moment she is looking forward to the most. “It’s the very last event of my senior year, and to me, it wraps up everything and is the moment when I finally can say that I’ve completed college and everything is all said and done.” Another Senior, Anna Coccoli, explains, “It’s exciting to celebrate all the hard work done during these 4 years, but at the same time there is that uncertainty and intimidating feeling to step into the next chapter. There’s a mix of nostalgia for what I’m leaving behind since Oklahoma became like my second home.” Following the Undergraduate Commencement at 2:00 p.m. will be the Ceremony for the College of Professional and Graduate Studies.
These events are not only a celebration of your hard work but also a chance to savor your final moments at SNU. Whether it’s sharing a meal at Senior Supper, enjoying a beautiful sunset, or participating in the Ivy Ring ceremony, each event offers a special opportunity to connect with your peers and faculty. As Kimalee Cook states, “It’s important to attend senior events because they are some of the last moments in college you get to spend with all your friends before everyone goes their separate ways.”
So, try to make the time and make the most out of each event. Be present because these weeks will go by fast. We hope to see you there!
Photo by: Jeremy Alcorn