Commencement 2025 Archives
Picture Story: Baccalaureate 2024, and a Bates class that found its common humanity
This immersive photographic display captures Bates’ distinctive Baccalaureate Service. Far from serious or somber, it is a “celebration that is…
Picture Story: The thesis ritual that binds the Class of 2023
Thesis binding by Bates seniors — with lots of friends! — is a college ritual like none other. (Trust us: We’ve checked.)
Video: Highlights from Commencement 2022 and the march of the seniors
From last-minute fit adjustments, to photos with staff and faculty on Alumni Walk and the joyous cap-toss, highlights from the Class of 2022’s big day.
Video: Dr. Nirav Shah’s 2022 Commencement Address
Text and video of the witty, warm, and insightful 2022 Commencement Address by Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control.
Slideshow: Hour by hour with the Bates Class of 2022 on Commencement day
From just after 7 a.m. to just after noontime, follow along as Bates gave the Class of 2022 a long, last embrace.
‘Be someone who builds trust,’ Dr. Nirav Shah tells seniors at 156th Bates College Commencement
“We treat those with different beliefs not just as incorrect, but as ignorant,” said Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and a luminary in the state’s COVID-19 response. “Don’t do that,” he told the seniors. Instead, “be someone who builds trust.”
Commencement 2022 honorary degree citations
Honorary degree citations for Michael W. Bonney ’80, Nikki Giovanni, Becca Stevens, and Dr. Nirav Shah, presented at Bates Commencement on May 22, 2022.
Video: Class of 2022 arrives (slowly) for their class photo at Garcelon Field
The Class of 2022 gathered this morning for their senior photo at Garcelon Field. Aside from a round of good-humored booing, all went well.
Dr. Nirav Shah, leader of the COVID-19 public health response in Maine, to deliver 2022 Bates Commencement Address, joined by honorands Michael Bonney ʼ80, Nikki Giovanni, and the Rev. Becca Stevens
As director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shah emerged as a trusted and valued source of public health guidance, wisdom, and compassion during the COVID-19 crisis.
With a doubleheader Commencement on May 27, Bates celebrates Class of 2021
After a year’s absence, Bates celebrated an in-person Commencement on May 27, featuring two ceremonies on a bluebird day with all the comforts of familiar rituals, including words of wisdom and love.