Full schedule of events for Friday's commencement at Barton

Story by JOE VINDUSKA
BCC

Barton Community College’s 56th commencement is set for 7 p.m. May 15 in the Barton Gymnasium. The ceremony will also be live-streamed via the Barton YouTube page at watch.bartonccc.edu.

After brief comments from Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki, Vice President of Student Services Angie Maddy will present the 2026 Outstanding Graduate awards to Cam Bergstrom of Alberta, Canada and Lauren Heller of Junction City.

Vice President of Instruction Elaine Simmons will then present two Distinguished Instructor Awards to Director of Accompaniment Dr. Alejandro Avila and Instructor of Military Programs at the Fort Riley Campus Juan Pepi III.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mike Johnson and Simmons will confer the degrees. Developmental Education Instructor Abby Howe will present the graduates as Dr. Garstecki extends the college’s official congratulations on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

Reverend Adam D. Wutka is set to lead the invocation.

Barton County Campus Graduation Ceremony
Friday, May 15, 2026, 7 p.m.
Barton Gymnasium (Kirkman Building)
245 NE 30 Road
Great Bend, Kan.

Ceremony information:
Due to capacity limits in our gymnasium all audience members must have a ticket to enter the ceremony. Seating will be on a first-come, first served basis. Guests requiring special parking are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes early, as these spaces are limited.

Each student participating in the ceremony will receive four tickets to share with family and friends. After cap and gown distribution concludes on May 1, students may request additional tickets if any remain available.

Additional seating for guests without tickets will be available in the Kirkman Practice Facility, located adjacent to the gym. Guests in this area will view the ceremony on a large screen and will be able to connect with their graduates immediately following the ceremony.

View the live stream of the ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. on Barton's YouTube page.

Barton County Campus Graduation Day Schedule - May 15, 2026

Medical Laboratory Technology Pinning Ceremony
10 a.m.
F-30 (Fine Arts Building)
For questions, please contact Karen Gunther, guntherka@bartonccc.edu or (620) 786-1133.

Nursing Pinning Ceremonies
11:30 a.m. - Practical Nursing students ceremony
2:00 p.m. - Associate Degree Nursing students ceremony
Fine Arts Auditorium
Please contact the nursing department at: (620) 792-9357 with questions.

Paramedic Cording
4 p.m. F-30 (Fine Arts Building)
Honoring students graduating in the Paramedic program will be held at 4 p.m. in F157 (Chapel).
Please contact: (620) 792-9341 with questions.

56th Annual Commencement Ceremony
7 p.m.
Barton Gymnasium (Kirkman Building)