Commencement procession away from the stage, two students surrounded by faculty members as they walk

Information about Graduation

Graduation News

May 16-17, 2025

Live Stream Commencement

View the digital program – Class of 2025 Commencement Program

Greetings, Class of 2025!

This is the place to find helpful information for Blackburn’s graduation weekend ceremonies.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shawna Poe, Chief of Staff.

  • CANCELLED – Senior Convocation – Friday, May 16, at 7:00 pm (Bothwell Auditorium)
  • Commencement – Saturday, May 17, at 10:30 am (Hudson Quad)

This page will grow as more information becomes available, so please check frequently! For now, you can find our helpful FAQ’s below.

Commencement Speaker

Jared Jones '16

Jared Jones, a 2016 Blackburn College graduate, serves as the Director of Team Travel & Logistics for the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB). In this role, he oversees all aspects of team travel, logistics, and operations, ensuring seamless coordination for players and staff throughout the season.

Jones’ career in professional and collegiate sports began as a student worker in Blackburn’s Athletics department, where he gained hands-on experience in game-day operations and even served as the de facto athletic director for several months. After graduating, he built a diverse resume, including event and game-day operations roles with the Tennessee Titans and Vanderbilt University. With the Titans, he was key in planning large-scale events at Nissan Stadium, from NFL games and major concerts to international soccer matches. In 2019, Jones was named Facility Manager for the Guardians’ spring training complex in Goodyear, Arizona, where he oversaw the team’s year-round player development operations. He later transitioned into his current role in 2022, managing the Guardians’ extensive travel schedules and logistical needs.

Jones earned a Master of Sport Administration from Belmont University in 2018. A native of Mitchell, Indiana, he now resides in North Ridgeville, Ohio, with his wife, Haley (Haynes) ’16, and their two daughters, Leighton and Jane.

Frequently Asked Questions about Commencement Weekend

To walk across the stage at Commencement, you must have a cap and gown.  It is recommended that you order from Herff-Jones using the following links:

You must order cap and gown before April 9, 2025.

While it is recommended that you order from Herff-Jones so all the graduates will look the same, you may use another source if you wish.

There will be a professional photographer at the graduation events taking headshots of all the graduates and photos as you come off the stage after receiving your diploma. They will also have a “group” photo made from the headshots. If you want to order any of these professional photos, Blackburn will have it’s own QR code that will be provided the day of Commencement.

You are NOT required to order photos, but you are required to have your picture taken.

Announcements and invitations can be ordered from Herff-Jones at collegegrad.herffjones.com

Academic dress is appropriate clothing worn under academic cap and gown with no additional decoration on the gowns, except official pins and/or cords from recognized honorary societies. This applies to both Commencement and Senior Convocation.

At rehearsal we will:

  • Hand out information about ordering pictures.
  • Hear important announcements from various campus offices regarding diplomas, events, etc.
  • Line you up in the exact order you will march in for Commencement.
  • Go over the steps you will follow as you process into the Commencement site with your classmates.
  • Practice entering the rows so you will be in the right order to receive your diploma.
  • Practice crossing the stage individually so you will know what to expect at Commencement.
  • Make sure we have the correct pronunciation of your name so it will be announced correctly as you cross the stage at Commencement.
  • Answer questions and concerns you may have.

Clearly, Rehearsal is extremely important, so it is MANDATORY!

Senior Convocation is a student-focused celebration for the graduates, their friends and families. Students, faculty, and staff will attend without formal regalia. Graduates will process and sit with their classmates. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND. If you have an unavoidable conflict, you must contact the College Marshal.

Senior Convocation, Friday, May 16 at 7:00 pm in Bothwell Auditorium. (Guests should arrive early)

Commencement, Saturday, May 17 at 10:30 pm on the Hudson Quad (or in the Gym in case of rain). Guests should arrive early.