Since the college’s first Commencement, in 1867, Bates has held its graduation ceremony in seven physical locations:

• 1867 to 1913: Baptist church on Main Street (except in 1876)
• 1876: Lewiston City Hall
• 1914 to 1948: Gomes Chapel
• 1949 to 1966: Lewiston Armory on Central Street
• 1967: Alumni Gym
• 1968: Alumni Gym and Chapel (two Commencements, one for three-year grads)
• 1969: Alumni Gym and Chapel (two Commencements, one for three-year grads)
• 1970: Alumni Gym
• 1971–2019 : Historic Quad in front of Coram Library (rain site: Merrill Gymnasium)
• 2020: Virtual

Read this Bates News story for more facts and stories from Bates Commencements past.