Graduation Ceremony

Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony

When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m. 
Where: Northern Illinois University Convocation Center (1525 W. Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL)

This event will be live streamed starting at 6 p.m. on Huntley 158's YouTube channel.

Note: Details and links on this page will be added closer to graduation.  

Click the button below to view!

2026 Graduation Ceremony Livestream

Things to Know

• Doors open for graduates and their families at 5:30 p.m.
• Please plan to arrive early to allow for traffic and a large number of attendees at the event.
• When graduates enter the building, they should proceed to the NIU practice gym. The stairs are located at Door #5. 

Graduation Tickets

All guests 2 years and up must have a ticket. Each graduate will receive 8 tickets for the graduation ceremony. Graduates will receive their tickets at graduation practice. If additional tickets are needed, they can pick them up during practice on Wednesday, May 13.

Accessible Seating

NIU is committed to providing accessible seating options for those who need it. Accessible seating is located on the main concourse level. Restrooms and parking will also be easily accessible. Seating passes and/or special tickets will not be distributed. Staff will assist with seating upon arrival.

Convocation Center Guidelines

Below are NIU Convocation Center event guidelines that will be strictly enforced. NIU staff may refuse entry to guests who do not comply with the rules. Graduates and guests should plan to exit the Convocation Center as quickly as possible after the conclusion of the ceremony and follow instructions.

Beverages (water only)

Guests, graduates, faculty and staff may bring in (1) unopened 20 oz. or smaller bottle of water into the Convocation Center. No other other outside beverages are allowed.

Personal belongings

The Convocation Center has a clear bag policy that permits only:

• Clear bags that do not exceed 12" x 12" x 6"
• Small purses that do not exceed 5.5" x 8.5" and are no more than 2” thick

Note: Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at the door.  

Prohibited items:

• Purses, diaper bags, laptop bags, camera bags, backpacks, duffels, and fanny packs (see clear bag policy parameters above)

• Wrapped gifts and gift bags

• Helium balloons

• Laser pointers of any kind

• Coolers, bottles, cans, containers, or projectiles

• Weapons, flammables, or other potentially dangerous items

• Aerosol containers or any pressurized container

• Horns, noisemakers, or whistles

• Any illegal substances

• Posters, banners, or signs on sticks

• Golf umbrellas

• Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks

• Outside food and beverages (including Starbucks, Dunkin’, and other coffee brands)

• Strollers 

Custom Apparel and Floral Bouquets

We are excited to celebrate the upcoming Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony with you! To help ensure a smooth and efficient experience for families, we strongly encourage pre-ordering graduation gifts in advance.

You can place your pre-orders through the following link:

Order Here

By pre-ordering, you’ll not only save time on graduation day but also support Huntley High School, as the school receives a 25% commission on all pre-orders (compared to a 15% commission on purchases made at the event).

📌 Pre-orders will close the night before the ceremony, so be sure to place your order ahead of time!

Click the link for a flyer with more details.

Thank you for your support. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you!