Commencement 2015
Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2015 and their families and friends, and best wishes to all.
For now, we share with you these words from the late, beloved Dean of Admissions Milton Lindholm ’35, speaking to seniors in 2004:
Keep in touch…. You have deep roots here that need to be nourished. So cherish the memories of the four years that you have been here. Rejoice in the friendships you have made. And come back as often as you can.
Complete Commencement 2015 coverage
2015 Commencement Videos
Processional
Opening Remarks, President Clayton Spencer
Senior Address, Alexander X. Bolden
Conferral of Honorary Degrees
Commencement Address, Manjul Bhargava
Commencement Choir, “For Good”
Conferral of Degrees
Alumni Association Welcome
Benediction
Recessional
2015 Commencement Schedule
[Update: 11:58 p.m. May 30, 2015]
Commencement will be held indoors at Merrill Gymnasium due to forecast of rain and thunderstorms. Tickets will be required. This information has been communicated to seniors. The latest information is below.
Below is this year’s schedule. We have a great group of honorary degree recipients, plus answers to your questions and a way to see the event live if you are following a Bates grad from afar.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
| 5:30 p.m. Farewell celebration What: Faculty and students celebrate the academic accomplishments of the Class of 2015 Who: Seniors, faculty and coaches Where: Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building |
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Friday, May 29, 2015 |
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| 2 p.m. Class of 2015 photo and commencement rehearsal What: Class picture and commencement ceremony practice Who: Required for all graduating seniors Where: Garcelon Field/Historic Quad |
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| 4:30 p.m. College Key induction What: Membership in the College Key is awarded to juniors and seniors who distinguish themselves through their academic performance, athletic or extracurricular pursuits, service to the community and strength of character Who: Inductees, their families and guests Where: Olin Arts Center Concert Hall |
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| 6 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa induction What: Phi Beta Kappa is the national honor society for liberal arts colleges Who: Inductees, their families and guests Where: Olin Arts Center Concert Hall |
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| 7:30 p.m. Sigma Xi induction What: Sigma Xi is the honor society of research scientists and engineers Who: Inductees, their families and guests Where: Olin Arts Center Concert Hall |
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Saturday, May 30, 2015 |
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| 11 a.m. Conversation with 2015 honorary degree recipients What: A lively panel discussion among our honored guests Who: All are welcome Where: Olin Arts Center Concert Hall |
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| 1 p.m. Legacy Group photo What: Photo of students with family histories at Bates Where: Hathorn Hall steps |
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| 1:30 p.m. Line up for Baccalaureate Who: Ceremony participants Where: Alumni Walk |
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| 1:50 p.m. Baccalaureate procession begins Who: Ceremony participants Where: Historic Quad |
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| 2 p.m. Baccalaureate service What: Baccalaureate celebrates students’ journey through Bates and beyond through the languages of many religions and spiritualities, and celebrates with poetry, music, dance and reflection Who: Graduating seniors, their families and guests Where: Historic Quad |
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| 5 p.m. Scholar-Athlete Society induction ceremony What: The Bates Scholar-Athlete Society honors dedication to excellence in scholarship and sportsmanship Who: Inductees, their families and guests Where: Olin Arts Center Concert Hall |
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| 5:30 p.m. Catholic Mass Where: Gomes Chapel |
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Sunday, May 31, 2015 |
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| 7:30–9 a.m. Breakfast What: A complimentary breakfast Who: Graduating seniors, their families and guests Where: Commons |
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| 8:45 a.m. Line up for commencement Where: Merrill Gymnasium |
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| 9:30 a.m. Commencement procession What: Procession begins Who: Ticket are required Where: Merrill Gymnasium |
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| 10 a.m. Commencement What: The ceremony you’ve been waiting for! Who: Tickets are required Where: Merrill Gymnasium. For guests without tickets, a live video feed will be available for viewing in the Olin Arts Center and Underhill Arena, and the event will be live streamed at bates.edu/commencement/live |
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| Noon (immediately following Commencement) Lunch What: Complimentary lunch Who: Graduating seniors, their families and guests Where: Alumni Gymnasium and Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building |
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