Washburn will hold Spring Commencement Ceremonies May 14 - 16

      Topeka, Kan. – Washburn will recognize the accomplishments of more than 1,600 students in a series of Commencement Ceremonies May 14 - 16. The university will begin with three ceremonies for the Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) Thursday evening, and five ceremonies Friday and Saturday for the remaining Washburn divisions: the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, the School of Law, the School of Applied Studies and the College of Arts & Sciences. These ceremonies will be held in White Concert Hall and Lee Arena, details below.

      “This is truly my favorite time of the year when we gather to celebrate our students,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn. “It is such a feeling of pride as we watch each student cross the stage, knowing they worked diligently and have achieved so much. Each student started with a plan and a dream and now they cross the stage as new alumni, ready for their chosen career path, and forever part of the Washburn community.”

Washburn Offers Many Pathways

       Washburn University offers students opportunities to pursue the career path that inspires them, that harnesses their unique talents – from technical courses to more traditional liberal arts degrees, to business degrees to nursing. Washburn knows that by 2031 72% of U.S. jobs will require a post-secondary degree and/or training (Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce) and Washburn is here to help Northeast Kansas, and beyond, be successful. Students like Michael Lowder and Corinna McMullen who took advantage of Washburn’s academic offerings, affordability, as well as the university’s location in the capital city of Kansas.

Michael Lowder, Information Systems Technology, Washburn Tech

            Michael Lowder started at Washburn Tech with a clear goal in mind - a career change. Lowder stated, “I’ve worked blue collar jobs most of my life and I like technology. I saw that Washburn Tech had an IT program and decided to go for it and make a career change. I’m a bit of a gamer and a tech nerd, and I saw that as an opportunity to turn it into a new career path."

           While taking part in the program, Lowder also worked part-time in a student-work position in Information Technology Services at Washburn Tech, which helps instructors, staff and students with their IT problems on campus.

            Lowder says he learned a valuable life lesson during his training at Washburn Tech. “You’re going to make a lot of mistakes in this career path. You need to use them as an opportunity to learn and go forward,” he said. “Don’t dwell on them. And it’s an ever-evolving field, so you need to keep your education up with it or else it can leave you behind."

             When Lowder graduates May 14 with his Information Technology Systems Certificate C, he will be ready for his new at job at HME (Haas Metal Engineering) in Topeka as a part of their IT team.

             Lowder said, "I had a great time at Tech. It was a great opportunity. They have the tools in place to help you. You just have to show the drive and the want, and they will get you there.

             "I’d strongly recommend Washburn Tech. It went really well for me. I’m graduating with honors and I couldn’t be happier. I found a job. Everything worked out."

Corinna McMullen, Elementary Education, School of Applied Studies, Washburn University

       Since she was a child, Corinna McMullen knew she wanted to be a teacher. She shared, “I love to be around children, specifically watching them grow, reach milestones and turn into amazing humans. I love to create relationships with them, providing them with a safe environment to learn and live in. I want to make a positive impact on their childhood and help them become amazing kiddos who change the world.”

       McMullen, originally from Bucyrus, Kan., followed that passion to Washburn University. “I chose Washburn because it was close to home and had great volleyball and education programs. It felt like home when I stepped on campus, and I loved the small sizes of my classes and campus,” said McMullen. “It allowed me to create sincere relationships with teammates, classmates, coaches and professors, and I will continue to cherish them after my time at Washburn.”

      McMullen was a setter on the Washburn University Volleyball team all four years, also serving as team captain. She was the co-president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Honors Student Council and she was nominated for a Sibberson Award.

      “Corinna is not only a well-rounded student but also a role model for other education students, as well as her volleyball teammates here at Washburn,” said Tracie Lutz, senior lecturer, Education Department, Washburn. “As an educator, Corinna puts students first with a high focus on their academic and social emotional needs. Corinna represents the type of student Washburn strives to bring to campus. She will make a difference as an exceptional teacher and productive community member. She is a true Ichabod!”

       McMullen plans to work as a kindergarten teacher at Kids R Kids of Blue Valley and a volleyball coach after graduation.

Commencement Ceremonies

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Washburn Tech Commencement Ceremonies

 3:30 p.m.

All Health Care Programs

5:30 p.m.

Auto Collision & Repair; Auto Service Technician; Cosmetology; Culinary Arts; Diesel Technology; Early Childhood; Engineering, Drafting & Design; Graphics Technology; Industrial Machine/Maintenance Tech; Information Systems Tech; State of KS Diploma (GED)

7:30 p.m.

Cabinet/Millwork; Carpentry; Electrical Technology; HVAC; Machining & Manufacturing; Plumbing Technology; Welding Technology

Friday, May 15, 2026

Washburn University Commencement Ceremonies, White Concert Hall

11 a.m.

Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, Pinning and Graduation Ceremony

       There will be a citation of an honorary degree during this ceremony. Carol S. Perry will be granted the Honorary Doctorate of Public Service. Perry, a 1983 graduate of the Washburn University Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, devoted her 40-year nursing career to Stormont Vail Health, where her leadership helped shape patient care, nursing excellence and workforce development across the region. Read Perry’s bio in the Washburn University Commencement program.

2 p.m.

Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business

5 p.m.

School of Law

            There will be a citation of an honorary degree during this ceremony. James C. Slattery will be granted the Honorary Doctorate of Law degree. Slattery earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Washburn University in 1970 and a juris doctor from Washburn University School of Law in 1974. He graduated from the Netherlands School of International Business and Economics in 1969. While a law student at age 24, he was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives from the 53rd District in Topeka in 1972. He served three terms and was speaker pro tem from 1977-79. In 1979, he was appointed secretary of the Kansas Department of Revenue. During that time, he also served as an officer in the 69th Infantry Brigade of the Kansas Army National Guard. Read Slattery’s bio in the Washburn Law School Commencement program.

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Washburn University Commencement Ceremonies, Lee Arena in the Petro Allied Health Building

10 a.m.

School of Applied Studies

2 p.m.

College of Arts & Sciences

            There will be a citation of an honorary degree during this ceremony. Dr. Joe Anthony (Tony) Ware will be granted the Honorary Doctorate of Science. Ware built a distinguished career as a cardiologist, physician-scientist and pharmaceutical executive whose work has advanced cardiovascular medicine and improved patient care worldwide. Born in 1952 in Topeka and raised in El Dorado, Kansas, Ware credits his formative years at Washburn University with providing the scientific foundation and personal mentorship that shaped his professional path. Read Ware’s bio in the Washburn University Commencement program.

Livestreaming and Parking

            To view the live streams of the Washburn University Commencements, please go to the Washburn Video Central YouTube page the day of the ceremony. Once there, the videos will be toward the top of the page in a section titled Upcoming Live Streams. Once the streams are live viewers will find the video at the top of the page.

Parking & Traffic Information

White Concert Hall

            Accessible parking for graduates, families and friends will be available in Parking Lot 10, just south of Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center. General parking will be available in that lot, as well. The entrance to campus at 17th and Jewell Ave. will be closed, prior to commencement.

             Attendees with accessibility needs should be dropped off on the north side of Morgan Hall, via 17th and Boswell. Utilize the sidewalk along 17th Street or enter the rear door of White Concert Hall. Look for signage that will assist in navigation.

Lee Arena

            Accessible parking for graduates, families and friends will be available in Parking Lot 5, just south of Castillo Family Tennis Complex. General parking will be available in Parking Lot 4.

             Attendees with accessibility needs should be dropped off at the northeast side of the Petro Allied Health building, via 19th Street. Utilize the sidewalk on the northeast or north side of the building or enter the door to the south of the building near the accessible parking lot. Look for signage that will assist in navigation.

Parking & Traffic Information for Washburn Law Graduates, May 15

            Graduates, families and friends may utilize Parking Lots 3 and 12 in preparation for the procession of graduates, administrators and faculty from Dole Hall to White Concert Hall. If parking beside the commencement venue, please utilize Parking Lots 10 and 11. The entrance to campus at 17th and Jewell Ave. will be closed.

            Attendees with accessibility needs should be dropped off on the north side of Morgan Hall, via 17th and Boswell. Utilize the sidewalk along 17th Street or enter the rear door of White Concert Hall. Look for signage that will assist in navigation.

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