One of the most meaningful moments in the Bates Commencement ceremony is the address delivered by a senior class member. The senior speaker reflects on their Bates experience and speaks on behalf of the class. It’s a great honor and a wonderful opportunity to share your thoughts about what Bates means to you.

SENIOR SPEAKER ELIGIBITY:

Graduating students wishing to apply to be the Commencement Senior Speaker must meet the following criteria:

Applicants must be Seniors graduating in May 2025.

Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. 

The selected senior must commit to attend the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The Selection Committee reviews all the applications and will select three finalists who will be invited to the in-person auditions in April. After the in-person auditions, the Committee will recommend one student to the president. The president makes the final decision.

SPEECH GUIDELINES:

Your speech should be reflective of the excellence and rigor of a Bates education.

A great speech blends the specific (a personal story) with the general or universal (world of ideas, your broader communities).

Your speech should inspire, encourage, and/or reflect on the vision and hope of the graduating class.

Your speech should be respectful of the Commencement occasion, and all the community gathered.

Your speech should be 5 minutes in length.

HOW TO SUBMIT:

To be considered, please complete the Submission Form by Monday, March 24, 2025.

For more information, please contact Assistant Dean Edili Lopez at elopez2@bates.edu.