MCW-Central Wisconsin Graduation 2026

Doors to the Atrium will open to guests beginning at 12 p.m. Open seating will be available to all guests on a first-come, first-serve basis.

SentryWorld is fully ADA accessible. Staff will be happy to help direct guests when they arrive.

No. The Commencement Ceremony is on a first-come, first-serve basis and tickets are not required. The Atrium at SentryWorld can accommodate over 200 guests.

Ample parking is available near the Atrium.

Kevin O'Connell, MD, will give this year's address. Dr. O’Connell has been involved in Family Medicine for over 40 years, 25 of which as Program Director of the Wausau Family Medicine Residency Program. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in 1979, performed his residency in Family Medicine at the Wausau Program, and has practiced his entire career in Wausau at the Residency.

Dr. O’Connell was the inaugural Chair of the UW Department of Family Medicine and Community Health's Graduate Medical Education Committee from 1996 to 2006. He is passionate about medical education and learning, as well as serving his community, especially those who may have been marginalized or underserved.

The entire MCW community is invited to lend its support to graduating students by attending the Ceremony in person, or virtually via MCW’s YouTube channel.

Watch the event live on YouTube on May 22

Students should arrive at SentryWorld Fieldhouse at 10:15 a.m. to take a class picture and perform a rehearsal prior to full Commencement.

Student regalia should have been ordered through the Jostens Portal prior to March 28. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please reach out to mcwevents@mcw.edu.

Please view the informative regalia video that was created to help show the proper way to wear regalia, and the process of Hooding.

View the Commencement Regalia Guide

No. Graduating students may not alter or decorate their caps, tassels, gowns or hoods, or add other adornments not approved by the Commencement Committee and issued by an MCW school or administrative office.

Review the MCW Academic Regalia Policy (PDF)

You will receive your official diploma when you cross the stage.

Professional photographers will be taking photos of each graduate at the ceremony. Guests should refrain from approaching the stage to take pictures or video during the ceremony.

The commencement ceremony will last approximately one (1) hour.