Sandburg looks forward to welcoming graduates, families, faculty and staff to campus to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates at this year's commencement May 14, 2026. For those who can't attend in person, you can view the ceremonies via livestream, and be sure to check out photos from the event on Sandburg's flickr page.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
INFO FOR FAMILIES
FAQs
Schedule of events
Thursday, May 14, 2026
1:30 p.m.
Nursing pinning ceremony / Sandburg gymnasium
This invite-only ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of Sandburg's associate degree nursing and practical nursing graduates.
2 p.m.
Dental hygiene pinning ceremony / Sandburg theater / tickets required (seven tickets per graduate)
This invite-only ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of Sandburg's dental hygiene graduates.
2:45 p.m.
Nursing pinning reception / Graham Health System Science & Technology Center Atrium
Attendees of the nursing pinning ceremony can continue the celebration at the nursing pinning reception.
3 p.m.
Dental hygiene pinning reception / Graham Health System Science & Technology Center Atrium & Student Center
Attendees of the dental hygiene pinning ceremony can continue the celebration at the nursing pinning reception.
5 p.m.
Health professions (HLP)/career technical education (CTE) degree and certificate students commencement ceremony / Sandburg gymnasium / tickets required (six tickets per graduate) / livestream available to anyone
Sandburg will honor the following HLP and CTE degree and certificate students:
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREES
- AAS accounting
- AAS administrative office professional
- AAS business administration
- AAS criminal justice
- AAS dental hygiene
- AAS information technology & cyber security
- AAS medical assistant
- AAS medical office professional
- AAS mortuary science
- AAS nursing
- AAS radiologic technology
- AAS welding
CERTIFICATES
- Administrative office assistant certificate
- Advanced welding certificate
- Automotive technology certificate
- Basic industrial manufacturing maintenance
- Basic welding
- CISCO network security
- Computer support
- Computer technician
- Computed tomography
- Entrepreneurship & small business management certificate
- Medical assisting certificate
- Medical office assistant certificate
- Network security
- Practical nursing certificate
- Small business management certificate
~6:30 p.m.
Sandburg Foundation and Alumni Association reception / outside patio area (D lobby in inclement weather)
Immediately following the 5 p.m. ceremony, the Sandburg Foundation and Alumni Association invite
you and your guests to attend a reception honoring graduates achievements. The celebration includes free refreshments, music by Taproot Wranglers and giveaways!
7:30 p.m.
Transfer degree students / Sandburg gymnasium / tickets required (six tickets per graduate) / livestream available to anyone
Sandburg will honor the following transfer degree students:
- Associate in Arts
- Associate in Fine Art in Arts
- Associate in Science
- Associate in General Studies
~9 p.m.
Sandburg Foundation and Alumni Association reception / outside patio area (D lobby in inclement weather)
Immediately following the 7:30 p.m. ceremony, the Sandburg Foundation and Alumni Association invite
you and your guests to attend a reception honoring graduates achievements. The celebration includes free refreshments, music by Taproot Wranglers and giveaways!
Information for families
Tickets
Certain commencement events require tickets to attend. Refer to the schedule of events for more info. Children 3 and under don’t require a ticket, but all other guests must have a ticket to attend graduation. Tickets may be used for only one ceremony. A livestream will be available to view both ceremonies for those families and guests who can't attend in person — and you can check out photos from the event on Sandburg's flickr page.
All event seating is unassigned. Contact us at least five days prior to the ceremony regarding any accessibiity needs.
Request accessibility assistance now.
Campus parking & shuttles
Parking is available in all lots on campus, with shuttles running from the Student Center and Science & Technology Center frequently to accommodate ease of transportation to the gym.
Overnight accommodations
There are several hotels and bed and breakfasts for overnight accommodations, including:
AmericInn by Wyndham
2284 Promenade Court
309.344.4444
Best Western Prairie Inn & Conference Center
300 S Soangetaha Rd.
309.343.7151
Fairfield Inn
901 West Carl Sandburg Drive (Near U.S. 34)
309.344.1911
800.228.2800
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
2160 East Main Street
309.343.7100
The Great House of Galesburg
501 E. Losey Street
573.673.1981
FAQs
Are parents and families able to attend the commencement events?
Yes. Some events are ticketed, so coordinate with your graduate to ensure each guest has a ticket to attend the various events. Refer to the schedule of events for more information.
Do infants and small children need tickets?
Children 3 and under don’t require a ticket, but all other guests must have a ticket to attend graduation. Refer to the schedule of events for more information.
What if I or another member of my party have mobiity issues or accessibility needs?
Sandburg will do its best to accommodate accessibility needs. Contact us at least five days prior to the ceremony regarding any accessibiity needs.
If I can't attend, is there a way for me to view the ceremony?
Yes, a livestream will be available to view both ceremonies for those families and guests who can't attend in person. Photos from the event will be shared on Sandburg's flickr page.