Congratulations, Graduates!
Baker College Class of 2025 | Graduation Day Highlights
Saturday,
May 16, 2026
Trinity Health Arena
470 W. Western Ave,
Muskegon, MI 49440
Ceremony
at 1 p.m.
Your Moment. Your Greatness. Your Celebration.
Congratulations, Baker College Graduates! The 2026 Commencement honors your hard work, determination, and the journey that brought you here. Your dedication has earned this moment of greatness, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with you.
Use this page as your official guide for all the key steps and details leading up to your big day. Check back regularly for new information and updates as Commencement Day approaches.
Your Graduation Checklist
To make sure you’re included in the celebration and get your degree without a hitch, here are the first two important steps to complete.
Submitting Your Graduation Application
This is the most important step! If you plan to finish your program requirements during the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 semesters, you should submit your official application.
Be sure to submit your application by the first week of your final semester to give us plenty of time to process your degree and prepare for your ceremony.
Ordering Your Regalia
Cap and gown bundles can be purchased through the Barnes and Noble (BN) Bookstore. If you plan to participate in the Commencement Ceremony, plan to order by March 31st for fastest delivery. The last day to order a cap and gown in time for the event is April 15, 2026. Honor cords for those who qualify will be available for pick-up at Commencement check-in on May 16, 2026.
Pre-ceremony Celebration: Join us for the Pre-ceremony Celebration at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, attached to the Trinity Health Arena. Come mingle, take photos and enjoy light refreshments. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Student lineup will begin at 12:00 p.m.
Arrival and Entry: Soon-to-be graduates, please arrive at the arena no later than noon. You may enter through the front entrance of the arena and convention center, which is located off of W. Western Ave. Guest seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and overflow viewing will be available in the convention center. Tickets are not required to enter the arena. Handicapped seating is limited and reserved for those most in need, plus one companion. Please note that there is a clear bag policy to enter the arena.
Check-In and Graduate Photography: Head to a check-in table when you arrive to receive your name card. Professional photography will be captured as each student crosses the stage.
Start Sharing on Social: Share your pics, gifs, and video congratulations during our commencement live stream by using the hashtag #BCBees26 on X & Instagram starting May 8th. Be sure to tag @bakercollege in all of your graduation posts and we may share them on our social channels on commencement day!
Live Stream: For family and friends that can’t join you, they can still celebrate and watch the ceremony. The ceremony will be streamed live on the Baker College YouTube channel.
SMS Communications: This year we’ll be sending you updates as we get closer to the event via SMS Messaging! You can opt-out through our messaging system.
Stay Connected to the Hive
From student to alum, your place in the Hive never fades.
Celebrating Your Achievements
Join the festivities as we recognize your accomplishments and welcome you to the alumni community.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 6 p.m. | Online via Zoom
Cheers to the Journey Virtual Celebration
Join us for Cheers to the Journey, a collaboration between our Alumni Ambassadors and 1stGen Bees. We’ll celebrate milestones, share encouragement, and toast to both the progress made the exciting path ahead.
Baker College Alumni Community Snaps & Sips
Headshot & Networking Event
Friday, May 15, 2026 | 4 – 6 p.m. | Culinary Institute of Michigan Muskegon
Connect with fellow alumni at the Snaps & Sips event, a networking happy hour with light bites, wine, and professional headshots. Update your digital presence with a high-resolution headshot while catching up with fellow alumni and making new connections.
Welcome to the Baker College Alumni Community
Graduation marks the start of a lifelong connection. You’ll always be part of the Hive—our network of Baker College alumni who continue to achieve, inspire, and give back. Register today with your personal email to stay connected and receive updates after your BakerMail access changes.
- Alumni Benefits: Invitations to exclusive events, discounts, and professional resources designed to help you thrive beyond Baker.
- Stay Connected: Follow @bakercollegealumnicommunity on Instagram, LinkedIn, Meta, and X.
The First Destination Survey (FDS)
The First Destination Survey helps Baker College understand what graduates do after completing their programs — whether you’ve started a job, continued your education, or are still exploring your next steps. Your responses help us improve career services and academic programs for future students.
- Look for it: You’ll receive a personalized survey link in your BakerMail inbox shortly before or soon after graduation.
- It’s quick and confidential: The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and your individual responses remain private.
Or, you can complete the survey now by using the link below.
Need Assistance? We’re Here to Help!
If you have questions about Commencement or need to request an accommodation, we’re here to support you.
- For general graduation questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at [email protected].
- If you need to request disability accommodations for the ceremony (for yourself or a guest), please contact Kristin Cundiff, Coordinator of Disability Student Services.
We look forward to celebrating your success and seeing you begin the next chapter of your Baker College journey!
Commencement Information
Commencement 2025 Photos
Congratulations, graduates! Cherish the memories and relive your special day by enjoying some photos from commencement. Photos will continuously be added over the coming days as they’re processed and uploaded by ceremony photographers.
Relive the Moment: 2025 Commencement Photos.
Ceremony Livestream (Recorded)
Graduates, friends, and family can relive the excitement anytime! The 2025 Commencement Ceremony recording is now available on the Baker College YouTube channel.
Diplomas
Your diploma should arrive approximately 8 weeks after your final semester ends. You can also order your official transcripts any time on the Registrar Page at my.baker.edu.
Stay Connected: Join the Baker College Alumni Community
As a member of the alumni community, you have privileges that include exclusive event invitations, discounts, career-related resources, and more. To access these benefits and keep up with the latest alumni community happenings, visit baker.edu/alumni. You can also connect on our social media platforms @bakercollegealumnicommunity on Instagram, LinkedIn, Meta, and X.