Commencement | Central State University
Source: https://www.centralstate.edu/commencement
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
Commencement | Central State University
Skip to Content
Home
Commencement
Congratulations, graduates!
To all of our graduates, congratulations on achieving your academic goals! Your success is a shining example of the legacy of teaching and learning by our esteemed faculty and staff. It brings us immense joy to invite our guests to join in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of the graduating class of 2026 at the Central State University Commencement.
The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed at the links below.
https://www.facebook.com/CentralState87
https://www.youtube.com/CentralState87
View Campus Map
Important dates
Honors College Ceremony
Thursday, May 7 | 4:00 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center
Honors College graduates who complete the required curriculum for the Honors College will be recognized at the Honors College Ceremony.
For those who cannot attend the Honors College Ceremony, the following pick-up times are available.
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 11 - Friday, May 15, Honors College (Building 38)
Baccalaureate Ceremony
Friday, May 15 | 5 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center Auditorium
Speaker
TBD
Baccalaureate Reception
Friday, May 15 | 6:30 p.m.
University Student Center Ballroom
Commencement Rehearsal
Friday, May 15 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center - Auditorium
Commencement Check-In
Saturday, May 16 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center - Lobby
Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 a.m.
William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium
Tickets not required.
McPherson Stadium opens at 9 a.m. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
In the case of inclement weather, three indoor locations will be open beginning at 7 a.m. for satellite viewing. They include the auditoriums in Charles S. Smith Hall College of Business, Joshua I. Smith Center for Education and Natural Sciences, and Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center.
2026 Spring Commencement Speaker
Frederic Bertley, Ph.D.
Dr. Bertley is a globally recognized scientist, educator and innovator, serving as president and CEO of
Center of Science and Industry
(COSI) and CEO of
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
. A civic-minded leader, he is known for advancing science literacy, strengthening the national STEM workforce and creating impactful educational experiences.
Under his leadership, COSI has expanded its reach nationwide and globally through groundbreaking programs, while his work with NVMM continues to elevate the stories and service of veterans and their families. Dr. Bertley’s distinguished career spans global health, research and international STEM education, making him a dynamic voice on innovation, service and leadership.
Candidates for Graduation
Image
Gold Cord Honors
Gold Cord Honors are awarded to graduating seniors with cumulative grade point averages of 3.50 or above who have no “D”, “F”, “FZ”, or “Z” grades or repeated courses as of the 2025 Fall semester.
Pickup times and locations for cords
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 15
, Office of the Registrar, Ward Center
8:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. Saturday, May 16
, Office of the Registrar, Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center - Lobby
Academic distinctions
Graduating seniors who meet the following criteria will receive recognition on their transcripts:
Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or higher cumulative GPA for all work completed
Magna Cum Laude - 3.75-3.89 cumulative GPA for all work completed
Cum Laude - 3.60-3.74 cumulative GPA for all work completed
Regalia information
Regalia must be ordered by April 22 to ship to you home address and March 31 ship to the CSU Bookstore by visiting
https://oakhallcg.com/pages/centralstate
. The Central State University Bookstore will take orders in person from
March 1 through May 16, 2026
.
If you have questions, please contact the Central State University Bookstore at 937-376-6123.
Guest information
We understand that finding accessible parking can be challenging at times. Please note that accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a valid permanent or temporary handicap tag/placard or license plate from any state is required. We want to ensure that everyone has equal access to the parking spaces they need, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee reserved parking.
We recommend arriving early to increase the chances of finding a spot.
McPherson Stadium provides easy access for guests with permanent or temporary disabilities. Guests who experience limited mobility or difficulty walking long distances should consider bringing a wheelchair or other mobility device.
Accessible seating is located at the entry level in front of the bleachers on the press box side of the stadium. Please limit the accessible seating area to one companion per person so that we can accommodate everyone.
If you need assistance finding seating, please see one of our volunteer ushers or security staff inside the stadium. No prior arrangements are necessary.
Note: For the Commencement Ceremony, wheelchairs will not be provided by the University.
A sign language interpreter using American Sign Language (ASL) will be available during the ceremony. If you are unable to see the interpreter from your seat, please find a volunteer usher or security staff to assist you in finding a new seat. No prior arrangements are necessary.
Service animals are permitted on campus. Anyone attending the ceremony with a service animal is expected to keep the animal under control at all times.
Restrooms are available in Charles S. Smith Hall College of Business, Madison W. Beacom / Gaston F. Lewis Gymnasium, and McPherson Stadium.
While the University cannot guarantee a chemical-free environment, please avoid wearing strongly scented products due to possible chemical sensitivity of others.
2777 Fairfield Commons
Beavercreek, Ohio 45431
P:
937-429-5203
or
844-573-9137
View on Google Maps
2500 Paramount Place
Fairborn, Ohio 45324
P:
937-427-0800
or
800-228-2800
View on Google Maps
2550 Paramount Place
Fairborn, Ohio 45324
P:
937-429-5505
View on Google Maps
124 Madison Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
P:
937-965-7500
View on Google Maps
2006 S Edwin C Moses Blvd
Dayton, Ohio 45417
P:
937-220-9060
View on Google Maps
1414 South Patterson Boulevard
Dayton, Ohio
Downtown Dayton
—
Dayton South
P:
937-223-1000
View on Google Maps
194 S Progress Drive
Xenia, Ohio 45385
P:
937-347-1029
View on Google Maps
3520 Pentagon Park Blvd
Dayton, Ohio 45431
P:
937-458-2650
View on Google Maps
Skip to Content
Home
Commencement
Congratulations, graduates!
To all of our graduates, congratulations on achieving your academic goals! Your success is a shining example of the legacy of teaching and learning by our esteemed faculty and staff. It brings us immense joy to invite our guests to join in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of the graduating class of 2026 at the Central State University Commencement.
The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed at the links below.
https://www.facebook.com/CentralState87
https://www.youtube.com/CentralState87
View Campus Map
Important dates
Honors College Ceremony
Thursday, May 7 | 4:00 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center
Honors College graduates who complete the required curriculum for the Honors College will be recognized at the Honors College Ceremony.
For those who cannot attend the Honors College Ceremony, the following pick-up times are available.
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 11 - Friday, May 15, Honors College (Building 38)
Baccalaureate Ceremony
Friday, May 15 | 5 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center Auditorium
Speaker
TBD
Baccalaureate Reception
Friday, May 15 | 6:30 p.m.
University Student Center Ballroom
Commencement Rehearsal
Friday, May 15 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center - Auditorium
Commencement Check-In
Saturday, May 16 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center - Lobby
Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 a.m.
William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium
Tickets not required.
McPherson Stadium opens at 9 a.m. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
In the case of inclement weather, three indoor locations will be open beginning at 7 a.m. for satellite viewing. They include the auditoriums in Charles S. Smith Hall College of Business, Joshua I. Smith Center for Education and Natural Sciences, and Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center.
2026 Spring Commencement Speaker
Frederic Bertley, Ph.D.
Dr. Bertley is a globally recognized scientist, educator and innovator, serving as president and CEO of
Center of Science and Industry
(COSI) and CEO of
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
. A civic-minded leader, he is known for advancing science literacy, strengthening the national STEM workforce and creating impactful educational experiences.
Under his leadership, COSI has expanded its reach nationwide and globally through groundbreaking programs, while his work with NVMM continues to elevate the stories and service of veterans and their families. Dr. Bertley’s distinguished career spans global health, research and international STEM education, making him a dynamic voice on innovation, service and leadership.
Candidates for Graduation
Image
Gold Cord Honors
Gold Cord Honors are awarded to graduating seniors with cumulative grade point averages of 3.50 or above who have no “D”, “F”, “FZ”, or “Z” grades or repeated courses as of the 2025 Fall semester.
Pickup times and locations for cords
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 15
, Office of the Registrar, Ward Center
8:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. Saturday, May 16
, Office of the Registrar, Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center - Lobby
Academic distinctions
Graduating seniors who meet the following criteria will receive recognition on their transcripts:
Summa Cum Laude - 3.9 or higher cumulative GPA for all work completed
Magna Cum Laude - 3.75-3.89 cumulative GPA for all work completed
Cum Laude - 3.60-3.74 cumulative GPA for all work completed
Regalia information
Regalia must be ordered by April 22 to ship to you home address and March 31 ship to the CSU Bookstore by visiting
https://oakhallcg.com/pages/centralstate
. The Central State University Bookstore will take orders in person from
March 1 through May 16, 2026
.
If you have questions, please contact the Central State University Bookstore at 937-376-6123.
Guest information
We understand that finding accessible parking can be challenging at times. Please note that accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a valid permanent or temporary handicap tag/placard or license plate from any state is required. We want to ensure that everyone has equal access to the parking spaces they need, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee reserved parking.
We recommend arriving early to increase the chances of finding a spot.
McPherson Stadium provides easy access for guests with permanent or temporary disabilities. Guests who experience limited mobility or difficulty walking long distances should consider bringing a wheelchair or other mobility device.
Accessible seating is located at the entry level in front of the bleachers on the press box side of the stadium. Please limit the accessible seating area to one companion per person so that we can accommodate everyone.
If you need assistance finding seating, please see one of our volunteer ushers or security staff inside the stadium. No prior arrangements are necessary.
Note: For the Commencement Ceremony, wheelchairs will not be provided by the University.
A sign language interpreter using American Sign Language (ASL) will be available during the ceremony. If you are unable to see the interpreter from your seat, please find a volunteer usher or security staff to assist you in finding a new seat. No prior arrangements are necessary.
Service animals are permitted on campus. Anyone attending the ceremony with a service animal is expected to keep the animal under control at all times.
Restrooms are available in Charles S. Smith Hall College of Business, Madison W. Beacom / Gaston F. Lewis Gymnasium, and McPherson Stadium.
While the University cannot guarantee a chemical-free environment, please avoid wearing strongly scented products due to possible chemical sensitivity of others.
2777 Fairfield Commons
Beavercreek, Ohio 45431
P:
937-429-5203
or
844-573-9137
View on Google Maps
2500 Paramount Place
Fairborn, Ohio 45324
P:
937-427-0800
or
800-228-2800
View on Google Maps
2550 Paramount Place
Fairborn, Ohio 45324
P:
937-429-5505
View on Google Maps
124 Madison Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
P:
937-965-7500
View on Google Maps
2006 S Edwin C Moses Blvd
Dayton, Ohio 45417
P:
937-220-9060
View on Google Maps
1414 South Patterson Boulevard
Dayton, Ohio
Downtown Dayton
—
Dayton South
P:
937-223-1000
View on Google Maps
194 S Progress Drive
Xenia, Ohio 45385
P:
937-347-1029
View on Google Maps
3520 Pentagon Park Blvd
Dayton, Ohio 45431
P:
937-458-2650
View on Google Maps