Get ready for Commencement 2026!

Class of '26, this is your time! Commencement marks an important passage in every student’s academic journey—from student to graduate and now a lifelong Mount Mercy alum.

Apply for Commencement 2026

Class of 2026, your time to shine is just around the corner. Mark your calendars for May 17, 2026!

Still need to apply for graduation? Let us walk you through the steps to get ready for your big day.

Apply now

Commencement 2026 schedule

We invite you to celebrate our graduates with us during Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026!

Commencement will be held at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, 370 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa on May 18. A recording of the ceremony will be available on Mount Mercy University’s YouTube channel.

 

Friday, May 15

3:00 PM | Honors Convocation
Chapel of Mercy, Busse Center
Honors Convocation is held yearly and recognizes graduating seniors for their achievements through individual awards, Honors Program completion, and the President's Award.


6:00 PM | Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Hennessey Recreation Center
Join us as the Martin-Herold College of Nursing & Health recognizes our BSN and RN-BSN graduates’ accomplishments during the Nursing Pinning Ceremony. A livestream and recording of this event will be available on Mount Mercy's YouTube channel.


Saturday, May 16

5:00 PM | Commencement Mass & Blessing of Graduates
Chapel of Mercy, Busse Center
Join as the graduating students of 2025 are recognized and blessed during this special Commencement Mass. Those of all faiths are welcome to participate. 

Sunday, May 17

10:00 AM | Commencement Ceremony
Alliant Energy PowerHouse, 370 1st Ave. NE
Join us as we confer the degrees of all of our 2025 graduates. A livestream and recording of this event will be available on Mount Mercy's YouTube channel.


Immediately following the Ceremony | Picnic on the Hill

Rohde Family Plaza, Main Campus
Join us on the Hill after your ceremony for lunch, entertainment, and to celebrate with your peers and professors. RSVP to attend the picnic!

2025 Student Speakers

amelia frimmlAmelia Frimml '25

Amelia Frimml ’25 is from Marengo, Iowa, and majored in Secondary Education.

Amelia was a student leader on campus, serving as Student Government Association President in 2024. In addition, she was an Admission Ambassador and was vice president of the Future Educators Club.

Amelia is grateful for the meaningful connections she made at Mount Mercy and the opportunities she was given to be in real world classroom settings. She will begin her teaching career this August as a 6th grade social studies at Cedar Rapids Prep, a charter school that is launching later this year.

 

shannon raap

Shannon Raap '25 MSL

Shannon Raap ’25 MSL has worked at Collins Aerospace for 20 years and is currently a Sr. Manager for the Test Equipment Services Team. Earning her Master of Strategic Leadership degree from Mount Mercy has helped her strengthen her leadership skills and expand her professional network.

Shannon has been able to apply what she’s learned to her day-to-day activities. She said the tools provided through her coursework will help her continue to lead by example and she hopes to become an advocate for others who are considering advanced education for their personal and professional growth.

Post-Graduation Plans Survey

If you're graduating in the Class of 2025, please share what your plans are after graduation. Your responses help us improve our services and recruit new Mustangs!

students walking commencement

Here to help

Have a question about ceremony details and accommodations?
Contact events@mtmercy.edu.

Want to know your graduation status?
Visit or reach out to:

211 Warde Hall
registrar@mtmercy.edu | 319-363-1323 x1584
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Frequently asked questions

All students planning to participate in Commencement must:

  • Apply for graduation through the Office of the Registrar
  • Meet financial obligations by noon the Thursday before Commencement to receive your diploma and get your official transcripts

Diplomas will be mailed following graduation. Questions? Contact registrar@mtmercy.edu or 319-363-1323 x1584.

During the ceremony, you’ll receive a handout with information on how to order the large program with all graduate names listed. Programs will be mailed after Commencement—please allow several weeks for printing and mailing.

Photography

Commencement photos will be available on our Flickr page and posted on Mount Mercy's social media channels. Additional photos can be purchased from teamphotonetwork.com within 48 hours of the ceremony. Click on "Find my Pics" and enter the password GRAD2025. Any questions about purchased photos can be directed to Joe Photo at 319-362-6187.

Videography

All Commencement ceremonies were livestreamed and are available for replay on Mount Mercy's YouTube channel. Full video coverage of the ceremonies was provided by Pro Video Productions of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. To order your own copy after the ceremony, visit provideoweb.com/shop to receive a downloadable file via email or digital file via USB drive once the video has been edited.

Programs

During the ceremony, you’ll receive a handout with information on how to order the large program with all graduate names listed. Programs will be mailed after Commencement—please allow several weeks for printing and mailing.

Prepare for your next milestone.

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