Reporter at News 5 Cleveland
Students at Baldwin Wallace University are not happy after the school announced that the fall commencement ceremony will not take place, citing low student participation and cost concerns.“It meant a lot.
I went through a lot these four and a half years. I just really wanted to celebrate being able to show my accomplishments,” said Emily Zwegat, a senior, majoring in middle childhood education.Graduation is a major milestone, and for Zwegat, that moment is now gone.“It's going to be my grandma's 90th birthday this year she was going to come,” Zwegat continued. “My student teaching is over. It was like a little celebration that I finally made it, and it really does break my heart.”She and every other fall graduate received an email stating that their commencement ceremony would not be held. The subject line read, “It’s time to apply to graduate for 2027!”A few lines down, it stated: “December commencement has been paused and there will be one ceremony in May.” That was it.“It was just kind of glided over. It wasn't even, like remotely detailed about it,” said Zwegat.She says the lack of explanation left her feeling dismissed.“I felt like I was being disregarded, but I was personally being betrayed,” said Zwegat.Other students agree. Sofi Dragen, a junior, was also surprised by the news.“I think it really upsetting. I have a lot of friends that are graduating in the fall, and a lot of people are working hard to graduate early and deserve the opportunity to celebrate that with everybody,” said Dragen.Students have since created a petition with more than 800 signatures calling for the ceremony to proceed. They’ve also suggested ways to cut costs, including limiting the number of speakers, using student media to film and photograph the event, and increasing ticket sales.“I understand cost, I do, but there's no way that we can't fix this and make this cheaper,” said Zwaget.The university says the decision was difficult and cites financial concerns. Instead, it will hold a special reception on Saturday, Dec. 12, where graduates can take photos with the president.“Our goal is always to balance two essential commitments: showing deep respect for our students’ achievements and remaining fiscally responsible so we can invest in the experiences that directly support their education and success.”“I don't think it's the same like, I mean, if every other student got it, why can't we? I don't think it's fair,” said Zwegat.“I just think that that's just, it's a weak attempt to, like, amend the situation,” said Dragen.Zwegat says she hopes the university reconsiders—but if not, she won’t be walking in the spring.“I’ll be planning full-time. I'm not going to be able to find the time to do that. A lot of students are moving out of state. They already have secured jobs. Like, it's not fair to us,” Zwegat said.The university says December graduates will still receive their diplomas by mail and are invited to participate in the May 2027 commencement ceremony.A university spokesperson issued the following statement:Nadeen Abusada is a Cuyahoga County and immigration reporter at News 5 Cleveland. Follow her on Instagram NadeenAbusada or email her at Nadeen.Abusada@wews.com.
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