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

Friday, May 29, 2015

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

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

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

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

Saturday, May 30, 2015

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

1 p.m.
Legacy Group photo
What: Photo of students with family histories at Bates
Where: Hathorn Hall steps

1:30 p.m.
Line up for Baccalaureate
Who: Ceremony participants
Where: Alumni Walk

1:50 p.m.
Baccalaureate procession begins
Who: Ceremony participants
Where: Historic Quad

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

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

5:30 p.m.
Catholic Mass
Where: Gomes Chapel

Sunday, May 31, 2015

7:30–9 a.m.
Breakfast
What: A complimentary breakfast
Who: Graduating seniors, their families and guests
Where: Commons

8:45 a.m.
Line up for commencement
Where: Merrill Gymnasium

9:30 a.m.
Commencement procession
What: Procession begins
Who: Ticket are required
Where: Merrill Gymnasium

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

Noon (immediately following Commencement)
Lunch
What: Complimentary lunch
Who: Graduating seniors, their families and guests
Where: Alumni Gymnasium and Clifton Daggett Gray Athletic Building