Sunday
9:30 a.m., Commencement Procession to the Library Quad
10:00 a.m., Commencement Exercises on the Library Quad
12:00 p.m., President’s Reception Lunch on Chapin Lawn
Commencement begins with a formal academic procession. Three members of the Senior Class give brief speeches and honorary degrees are awarded. The College President awards a diploma to each senior. The Commencement Speaker will be Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
No tickets are necessary for outdoor Commencement on the Williams Quad. Because the outdoor seating faces east, guests will find hats, sunglasses, and a water bottle useful on a sunny morning. Every effort will be made to hold the ceremony outdoors, even with a possibility of light rain. Guests should bring rain gear if the weather forecast includes rain. You will be able to view a livestream of Commencement as well. Chapin Hall, adjacent to the Williams Quad, is air conditioned and will be open for simulcast if you prefer to view the ceremony indoors. No tickets required.
The President will honor degree recipients at a lunch reception on Sunday, immediately following Commencement. Graduates and their guests are cordially invited to attend. Formal invitations will not be issued.
Rain Plan: In case of extreme weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors. Tickets will be required in the event of indoor Commencement. Each student will receive four guest tickets for the Ice Rink if the weekend weather looks questionable. Additional seating is available in the ‘62 Center where the ceremony is broadcast on a large screen. Tickets are not required for seating in the ‘62 Center. As with the outdoor ceremony, indoor Commencement will be live-streamed and available for viewing off-campus from the Commencement website.