Commencement Weekend | May 29-31, 2026

Celebrate With Bobcat Lawn Signs
by Gina Nordini
April 2, 2026
Want to show your Bobcat pride? Download one of our printable PDFs.
Schedule
by Michelle Lewis
January 21, 2026
FAQs: What to expect for Commencement 2026
by Michelle Lewis
January 16, 2026

Countdown to Commencement

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Commencement News & Updates

Opening Convocation at 11 a.m. Sept. 2, 2025, on the Historic Quad, followed by In Memoriam: Tree Planting Service. Processional Welcome by President Garry Jenkins Mace Bearer Mary T. Rice=DeFosse Greetings by Zach Richards ’26 and Mohammad Zayd ’27, Co-Presidents Convocation Address “A College for Coming Times” Rebecca Herzig, Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies Benediction Raymond Clothier, Interim Multifaith Chaplain Memorial Tree Planting Alongside Gomes Chapel on College Street, in memory of those in the Bates community who died during the past year. The tree was designated with a yellow bow.

April 9, 2026

Bates announces 2026 Commencement honorands, including writer Deborah Harkness

Bates will recognize four honorary degree recipients during Commencement on May 31, including Commencement speaker Deborah Harkness.

News & Updates

May 20, 2026

Rev. Rob Benson joins Bates as multifaith chaplain

Rev. Rob Benson will join Bates as the college’s multifaith chaplain, effective Aug. 3.

May 7, 2026

Improvements coming to softball’s Lafayette Street Fiel…

As Bates softball celebrates its 50th anniversary, the program is moving forward with a significant transformation of its home facility at Lafayette Street Field — marking a major investment in the future of softball at Bates.

May 7, 2026

Sixteen Bates students, alumni offered Fulbright Student awar…

Sixteen current and former Bates students have been offered Fulbright Student international exchange awards for 2026–2027.