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Kansas Wesleyan University

The 2023 Commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on May 13 at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in downtown Salina. Directions are available at the TPEC website.

Commencement Weekend Photos & Videos

The university plans to stream the Baccalaureate, the Nursing Pinning and Commencement ceremony live and free of charge.

To better allow families to enjoy the commencement ceremony and ensure the safety of all guests in the arena, a professional photographer will take the photos of all graduates as they cross the stage. All graduates will be able to download their free graduation photos (including the class photo) in the days following graduation.

Download photos

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating will be available in the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Arena. These seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited.  Ushers will be available to assist guests. Kansas Wesleyan will make every effort to accommodate parents and guests, however accessible seating is limited and advanced planning is strongly encouraged.

Parking

Parking is available within walking distance of the arena. Please do not park in the parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities unless you have the proper tag.

Programs

Commencement programs will be distributed to guests at the arena as they arrive for the ceremony.

Visiting Salina

If you are unfamiliar with campus, please consult the campus map to help find buildings and parking areas.

If you plan to fly to Kansas to attend Commencement Weekend, Salina Regional Airport now offers service from Denver and Chicago. The Salina community has many options for dining and entertainment during your visit. Find out more at Visit Salina. In addition, several hotels offer discounts to KWU visitors. Please be sure to mention KWU when making your reservation.

Coming from Out of Town?

Check out these resources that can help make your visit easier.

Local hotels offering KWU discounts

Mention KWU when making your reservation to receive any discounts.

Candlewood Suites
2650 Planet Ave
Salina, KS 67401
785-823-6939

Comfort Suites
715 W Schilling Rd
Salina, KS 67401
785-404-6944

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson
2760 S 9th Street
Salina, KS 67401
785-827-1271

Courtyard by Marriott
3020 Riffel Dr.
Salina, KS 67401
785-309-1300

Homewood Suites
115 E. Mulberry St.
Salina, KS, 67401
785-515-2600

Holiday Inn
3145 S 9th St
Salina, KS 67401
785-404-6767

La Quinta Inn & Suites
201 E. Diamond Drive
Salina, KS 67401
785-827-9000

Hampton Inn
401 W Schilling Rd.
Salina, KS 67401
785-823-9800

Nearest airport

There are non-stop flights daily from the Salina Airport, a long-time friend of KWU, to Denver and Chicago.

Exploring Salina, Kansas

Kansas Wesleyan’s home is Salina, KS, a thriving city of nearly 50,000 located at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135. Whether it’s community support like Purple Friday, proximity to metro areas such as Kansas City (three hours), Wichita (one hour) or Denver (six hours), or local restaurants and hot spots, Salina has it! Read on to learn more about our great home.

Coming to Town?
The local Chamber of Commerce maintains a listing of all the hotels in Salina.

Looking for somewhere to eat? Here’s a listing of all the great restaurants in town!

Salina Arts and Entertainment Calendar

Stiefel Theater for the Performing Arts

Salina Symphony

Visit Salina

Rolling Hills Zoo

Graduation Day for Students

KWU student with president at graduation

Commencement Weekend

KWU student at graduation