The Barton Community College mace, an emblem dating to the early years of the institution, will be part of the pomp and circumstance on Friday at the 56th annual commencement.
The mace is an ornamented staff, crafted from wood in this case, that acts as a ceremonial symbol of the institution’s authority, dignity and academic mission. Barton’s mace usually stands in President Dr. Marcus Garstecki’s office, but this year Faculty Council President Brandon Steinert will carry it during the processional.
Carrying the mace at commencement is a tradition at some colleges and universities, but Barton administrators don’t believe it has happened here in this century. It was used in either 1998 or 1999; it was carried in the first year and placed on the stage the second year.
Barton County Community Junior College was established in 1965, and sometime after that, “Junior” was dropped from the name to reflect its evolving mission. The mace bears the shortened name.
Graduation starts at 7 p.m. in the Barton Gymnasium (Kirkman). In preparing for Friday’s commencement, it was noted that some seating was lost due to renovation in the Fleske Field House. Meanwhile, a larger group of students is expected to walk this year, so students received four tickets when they applied for their caps and gowns. Overflow seating will be provided 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.
Vice President of Student Services Angie Maddy said 239 students picked up caps and gowns. However, some student-athletes in track won’t be able to attend. They expect 220 students to attend. These are students who have completed their GED, certificates and/or associate degrees.
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 4:00pm in F157(Chapel). Please contact: (620) 792-9341 with questions.
56th Annual Commencement Ceremony
7 p.m.
Barton Gymnasium (Kirkman Building)
