Stories about "Commencement 2021"
Aiming for ‘different’: the story behind the 2021 ivy stone

Wednesday, June 9, 2021 11:07 am

A Bates tradition since 1879, class ivy stones tend to feature familiar elements year to year. Now it's time for something complete different.

Picture story: ‘Gems of love, gems of endurance’ at Bates Commencement 2021

Thursday, June 3, 2021 1:21 pm

The immersive photography of Phyllis Graber Jensen and Theophil Syslo shines brightly in this picture story about Commencement 2021 on May 27.

Video: Complete 2021 Commencement video

Friday, May 28, 2021 12:38 pm

Full video of the two Commencement ceremonies — morning and afternoon — on May 27, 2021.

Campus scenes on Sept. 8, 2020.Beverly Vari and Hoi Ning Ngai, colleagues at the Bates Center for Purposeful Work, hold their weekly check-in meeting on the Historic Quad.Besides talking strategy and tactics — from how to expand employment opportunities for students to following up on summer internships — they also “catch up on how we’re engaging in self-care — especially given the challenges of operating in a pandemic,” says Ngai. Prioritizing health and well-being is not just personal: “It’s a way to model that mindset for students as they become professionals.”
‘I hate grass’: Confessions, quirks, and authenticity from Hoi Ning Ngai’s Baccalaureate Address

Friday, May 28, 2021 11:15 am

"Be comfortable embracing all of your strange and special qualities — and all of the people who love you for them," said Ngai in an address that shared

The College's 155th Commencement will look a little different, but most of it remains the same.The chairs on the Historic Quad, walking across the steps of Coram, your classmates and friends, family, and representatives of the faculty are here. This certainly has been a challenging year, but we know it was also filled with joys and successes.You have all worked so hard to get to this day and we are ready to celebrate your accomplishments.To members of the Bates community and beyond, we invite you to join the celebration with as it streams live on our website at bates.edu/commencement/live and on our Facebook page.Parents and loved ones, if you wish share memories or congratulate your student, use the #Bates2021 hashtag and we'll share our favorites!⁣Link to watch our livestream is in our bio. ⁣(Theophil Syslo/Bates College)#Bates2021 #BatesCollege #Commencement #Classof2021
With a doubleheader Commencement on May 27, Bates celebrates Class of 2021

Thursday, May 27, 2021 1:02 pm

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.

21 frequently (and infrequently) asked questions about Bates Commencement on May 27

Friday, May 21, 2021 2:39 pm

For our Class of 2021 seniors, here are 21 frequently, and infrequently, asked questions about this year's Commencement.

Both from Zimbabwe, Commencement’s two Senior Speakers also have compelling stories in common

Friday, May 21, 2021 12:06 pm

By coincidence, the two Senior Speakers at Commencement 2021 (one for each of two ceremonies) are both STEM majors from Zimbabwe. And both will tell compelling stories that are personal and universal.

Bates to honor Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, artist Vanessa German, musician Rhiannon Giddens, and activist and lawyer Chase Strangio at Commencement

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 3:44 pm

Following last year's virtual event, the college's 155th Commencement will feature two complete, in-person ceremonies on May 27, each accommodating half the senior class.