Nelson W. Trout Lectures

April 23-24

Featuring The Rev. Traci Blackmon

Embodied Discipleship. A Movement Apologetic in the Face of Rising Fascism.


Rev. Traci Blackmon is CEO and founder of HopeBuilds, LLC, and a theologian-in-residence at Eden Theological Seminary. An ordained minister, public theologian, and registered nurse, she is a national leader in faith-based justice work and previously served as associate general minister and vice president of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Blackmon has advised national leaders, spoken globally, and received numerous honors for her leadership, advocacy, and faith-based work.

April 23


1 p.m. Registration Opens

1:45 p.m. Opening Music

2 p.m. Welcome and Recognition of Elders

2:45 p.m. Presentation by The Rev. Traci Blackmon

4:15 p.m. Celebration of Trinity Black Alumni and Photo

7 p.m. Worship

April 24


8:30 a.m. Doors Open

8:45 a.m. Welcome and Invocation

9 a.m. Breakfast

10 a.m. Presentation by The Rev. Traci Blackmon

11:15 a.m. Closing and Prayer

Students

176th Undergraduate Commencement at Capital


Capital will host its 176th Commencement Ceremony for undergraduate students with the following schedule and details.


Saturday, May 9


9 a.m.

Baccalaureate Service: Interdenominational service held in Gloria Dei at Trinity Lutheran Seminary


11 a.m.

Commencement Ceremony: Undergraduate ceremony in the Capital Center, followed by a gate ceremony celebration on the front lawn


Extra Tickets for Undergraduate Commencement


Graduating students may now receive up to eight guest tickets for Commencement. Tickets will be available starting May 4 in the Student Community Engagement Office (Student Union). If you don’t need all of your tickets, please return extras so others can attend. Tickets may not be bought or sold.


Note: Tickets are not required for the May 6 graduate ceremony or the May 16 Seminary ceremony.


The May 2026 Commencement Ceremony for Capital University Law School will take place on Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m.at the Capital Center. Graduates will receive ticket information soon. If you have any questions about graduation, please contact lawcommencement@law.capital.edu

Senior Spaghetti Dinner


Thursday, May 7

5 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Dining Room


Hosted by Alumni Engagement and the Alumni Advisory Board


This special evening celebrates your transition into the Capital University Alumni family.


For one night, the Main Dining Room transforms into a charming Italian bistro, complete with white tablecloths, generous servings of pasta, meatballs, and breadsticks, and complimentary wine. The evening’s highlight is our “celebrity” servers, faculty, staff, and alumni who bring energy and fun to every table. Each senior will receive a gift, and door prizes will be awarded throughout the night.

Grad Week Events! Celebrating the graduating Class of 2026!


GradFest: Wednesday, May 6, at 4 p.m., Schaaf Lawn


Senior Spaghetti Dinner: Thursday, May 7, at 5 p.m., Main Dining Room


Nursing Pinning: Friday, May 8, at 9 a.m., Conservatory of Music


President's Graduate Lunch: Friday, May 8, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Capital Center


Commencement Rehearsal: Friday, May 8, at 1 p.m., Capital Center 


ROTC Commissioning Ceremony: Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m., Conservatory of Music


DSLA Awards and Dinner (invitation only) 


Baccalaureate Service: Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m., Gloria Dei

Commencement Rehearsals


It's highly encouraged that you attend your respective rehearsals. Please see the rehearsal times below:

 

Undergraduate Commencement Rehearsal

Friday, May 8

1 to 2 p.m.

Capital Center

 

Trinity Commencement Rehearsal

Friday, May 15

10 to 11 a.m.

Gloria Dei Worship Center

 

Graduate-level students do not have a rehearsal for their event on May 6.

Pick-Up Your Regalia


If you ordered regalia through Herff Jones for delivery to the University Bookstore and have not yet picked it up, please stop by as soon as possible.


Your package is waiting, and a number of regalia orders remain unclaimed.

Latin Honor Cords for Graduation


Graduating undergraduate students with at least a 3.5+ cumulative GPA at the end of Fall 2025 are eligible for a Latin honor cord (spring GPAs are not yet finalized). Final transcripts will reflect final GPA and Latin honor.


Cords will be distributed at the May 8 rehearsal and during pre-ceremony lineup on May 9.

Celebrate Your Success with the Gear Shop


Commencement is almost here, and the Gear Shop has everything you need to celebrate your Capital graduate in style.


Stop by the lobby of the Capital Center before commencement to shop:

  • Last-minute regalia essentials
  • Alumni gifts, shirts, and mugs
  • Classic diploma frames
  • Alumni crew sweaters
  • Fresh flower bouquets


Visit the Capital Gear Shop online to browse and purchase in advance.

Go Comets!

Capital Stories

Finding Home at Capital Baseball


Andy Gill '28, Psychology


Coming into my first year at Capital, I had no idea what to expect. Coming from a town with a population under 1,000 people and a graduating class of just over 100, Columbus seemed like a whole different world. Not only was I intimidated by the city, but the athletics as well.


As a baseball player for the Comets, coming in I saw a lot of kids bigger, faster, and stronger than me. While intimidated, the upperclassman certainly made all other first years, and I felt included. There were a lot of bumps throughout the first year, but with the kindness and openness of teammates, there was nothing I could not get through.

Save the Date! Upcoming Events

As the academic year wraps up, Capital is buzzing with events celebrating student achievements and end-of-year traditions. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and details. This list is not inclusive.

Book Launch and Reception

"Covered Buttons" by Stephanie Saunders


Thursday, April 23

3 to 4 p.m.

Ruff Learning Center 202

Academic Success Giveaway


April 8-28


Complete an Academic Success visit for tutoring, writing consulting, or coaching between now and April 28, and enter to win a fun finals prep basket. Giveaway baskets include a fun Pomodoro timer, a to-do list, yummy snacks, Cap merch, fidgets, and more!

Annual Leadership Awards


 Wednesday, April 22

5 p.m.

Huntington Recital Hall


Lock-in with Academic Success


Wednesday, April 29

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Blackmore Library 206


This event is a facilitated study session. Come plan what you want to get done for finals and work on it in a dedicated study space. Our Academic Success Staff will study with you and model what mindful study breaks look like. There will also be snacks to enjoy during your time. This will be held right before Exam Treats in the MDR.

Crafting with Coaches


Thursday, April 30

2 to 4 p.m.

Academic Success

Blackmore Library, 2nd floor


This event is to help you destress. Taking some time out of each day to do something that brings a bit of joy will help you stay motivated, so come craft with us! Our Academic Success staff will be hosting craft tables like gem painting, friendship bracelets, coloring, and origami for you to enjoy. Take a moment to de-stress with us!

Schumacher Art Gallery


Gallery hours:

Monday-Friday: Noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday: 1 to 4:30 p.m.

(or by appointment; admission is free)


Capital University Student Showcase

April 13-28

This multimedia exhibition showcases a variety of works created by Capital University students.

 

“What Were You Wearing?” Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Exhibit

April 13-28

This annual exhibit creates space for education, empathy, and support for survivors.

Enroll in Summer Classes


Registration for Summer 2026 classes is open!. Summer courses are a great way to stay on track, get ahead, or lighten your fall course load. With flexible options and smaller class sizes, students can continue making progress toward their degree while balancing summer schedules. Learn more.

Social Work Programs Earn Continued Accreditation, Momentum


Capital University’s BSW program has been reaffirmed through 2034, marking its eighth successful reaccreditation since 1974.


The university’s MSW program, launched in 2025, is progressing through accreditation candidacy and preparing its first graduates for licensure and careers in the field, continuing Capital’s commitment to developing future social work leaders.

Trinity Lutheran Seminary

Faculty and Staff

Welcome to Capital!


Jennifer Adams, interim coordinator, Student and Community Engagement


Eli Alishusky, event operations assistant, Conference Services


Marc Falkoff, dean, Law School


Ramia Mascioli, community coordinator, Residential and Commuter Life


Lisa Maxwell, temporary administrative assistant, Nursing


Christa Serluco, interim coordinator, Student and Community Engagement


Emma Smallwood, counselor, Financial Aid


Beth Sweeney, program coordinator, Education


Maddie Wentz, head volleyball coach

Summer Hours


Summer is just around the corner, and Capital University will once again offer adjusted summer hours for 2026. Offices will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with employees receiving full-day pay during this period.


Bexley Campus

Monday, May 11 through Friday, August 7

 

Law School Campus

Monday, May 18 through Friday, August 7

 

Trinity Seminary

Monday, May 18 through Friday, August 7


Please note that schedules may vary by department to ensure continued service, safety, and campus operations.

Marketing and Communications Ticket System


Use this form to request marketing support from the Integrated Marketing & Communications (IMC) team. Our ticketing system helps us organize and track requests, prioritize projects, and ensure each request receives the attention it needs. When submitting a ticket, please provide as much detail as possible, including relevant links, files, and deadlines. Clear and complete information allows our team to review your request quickly and move your project forward efficiently.

Alumni Awards Nomination


Deadline: July 1


As a member of our faculty, administration, or staff, you know our students best. Nominate a deserving alumnus for the 2026 Distinguished Young Alumni Award or Distinguished Alumni Award. These honors recognize graduates who demonstrate excellence in their careers, leadership in their communities, and a meaningful impact in their fields. Help celebrate the outstanding achievements of our alumni community.

In the News


Going braless in Ohio could land women in jail under anti-drag bill – Opinion

Columbus Dispatch

April 14, 2026


Capital U President Jared Tice pitches 'shared promises' at investiture

Columbus Dispatch

April 11, 2026


Supreme Court keeps former DNC candidate off Ohio GOP primary ballot 

Courthouse News Service

April 9, 2026

President Tice Shares Insights on Podcast


President Tice joined Trinity Lutheran Seminary student Matthew Longfellow on the podcast, "A Mighty Fortress is Our Pod," discussing the experiences that have shaped his journey, the values guiding Capital’s work, and a shared commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose and impact.


Find the episode:

Capital University | Trinity Seminary at Capital University | Capital University Law School