Undergraduate Commencement
17c黑料 will host two undergraduate spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Stoffer Family Stadium at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the Newberg campus.
Traditional undergraduates will participate in the ceremony based on their major, as outlined below. Accelerated Online Degree* graduates will participate in the 11 a.m. ceremony.
*Accelerated Teaching Degree students graduate at Commencement for Graduate Education Programs
Spring Undergraduate Commencement
11 a.m. Ceremony
- Communication
- English
- History
- Music
- Theology
- Elementary Education
- Elementary Education + Middle-Level Authorization
- Kinesiology
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Psychological Science
- Social Work
- Cybersecurity Management
- Data Analytics
- Education*
- General Studies
- Healthcare Administration
- Management & Organizational Leadership
- Project Management
- Psychology & Mental Health Studies
*Note: Accelerated teaching degree students participate in the education ceremony, not the undergraduate ceremony (DCDG, Education)*
3 p.m. Ceremony
- Business Administration
- Financial Services
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Studio Arts
- Cinematic Arts
- Interior Design
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Data Analytics
Commencement Guest Speaker
Aaron Van Gorkom, PhD
Aaron Van Gorkom is a proud 2015 graduate of 17c黑料, where he studied mechanical engineering. During his time here, he competed in track and field for four years, serving as team captain for two, and spent three years in residence life.
After graduation, Aaron worked as a nuclear engineer before returning to academia to earn a PhD in biomedical engineering and an MBA in strategy and leadership from Wake Forest University. His graduate research focused on medical device development, clinical translation, and commercialization.
Aaron went on to join Beckon, Dickinson and Company through its technical leadership development program and currently serves as a cross‑functional team leader within the company's pharmacy automation business unit. He is passionate about innovative problem solving and enjoys working with teams to address complex challenges and develop solutions that improve patient care worldwide.
Aaron lives near Seattle with his wife Rachel and their three children: Tyler, Caleb and Emma.
Commencement Details
Spring 2026 traditional undergraduate commencement programs will be available by May 1, 2026.
Tickets are not needed for the undergraduate commencement ceremonies, and students are not limited in the number of guests they may bring. The gates to the stadium will open one hour prior to the ceremony, at which time guests are welcome to reserve seats for their party. One person must remain with their reserved seats at all times.
Guests are also welcome to watch the ceremony from Bauman Auditorium, located directly behind the stadium. The auditorium provides ample comfortable seating, air conditioning, and a live-stream of the ceremony playing on the large screens.
The registrar's office orders regalia for all graduating students based on the sizing information provided on their application for graduation. Graduates should wear only university-issued regalia during commencement and follow the . Graduates are welcome to decorate the top of their cap if desired.
Students should have picked up their regalia at the on Wednesday, April 1. If you missed the grad fair, regalia is available for pick-up at the registrar’s office (first floor of the Stevens Center) between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., after completing the virtual Exodus check-out tasks. Questions can be directed to registrar@georgefox.edu.
The ceremonies will be available to watch via livestream (link available prior to commencement).
The university has contracted with The Grad Team as its commencement photographer. Students do not need to preorder or request photos before the ceremony.
During the ceremony, professional photographers will take multiple photos of every student and then notify graduates through their George Fox email when photos are ready for online viewing. Please .
To order graduation announcements or college rings, or call Jostens at 1-800-854-7464. Announcements take two to three weeks for delivery once they are ordered.
Commencement ceremonies will be recorded by 17c黑料 Media Production Services. A digital download will be available for purchase for $6.24 by completing this . Digital download links will be sent one to two weeks after commencement.
Baccalaureate
Please join our university pastors and President Robin Baker for a final time of worship as the Class of 2026. Families, friends and other guests are invited to attend with your graduating student(s) on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in Bauman Auditorium. We hope to see you there!
Guest Services
Guests with Disabilities
Accessible seating is available for guests with disabilities and a companion to assist them during the ceremony. This seating area is designated for individuals using wheelchairs and any guests with mobility issues.
To place a reservation, please complete the form. Laurie Fair (lfair@georgefox.edu) will contact you with any questions, if necessary, and email you a confirmation with additional details about your reservation.
Interpreting & Assisted Hearing Services
We will offer Spanish and American Sign Language interpreting services, as well as assisted hearing devices. To reserve interpretive devices or request interpretive services, please let us know by completing this or email commencement@georgefox.edu. Call 503-554-2140 or 800-765-4369, ext. 2140.
Bookstore & Dining Options
On Saturday, May 2, the university's bookstore, the Bruin Store, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Bridge Cafe in Canyon Commons will be open from 9 a.m. to noon, and the dining hall in Canyon Commons will be serving brunch from 10-11:30 a.m. as well.
Lodging & Transportation
Visit this Lodging & Transportation page for a list of local options on our website.
Download a campus map.
Midyear Undergraduate Commencement
George Fox will host a midyear undergraduate commencement ceremony for all undergraduate students at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, in Bauman Auditorium on our Newberg campus.
