Commencement 2021
Bates is pleased to announce plans for an in-person Commencement on Thursday, May 27, comprising two full complete ceremonies on the Historic Quad, each welcoming half the senior class.
News & Updates
- ‘I hate grass’: Confessions, quirks, and authenticity from Hoi Ning Ngai’s Baccalaureate Address
“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 - Video: ‘Holy moly!’ Homespun congratulations from Bates folks
A selection of Bates faculty, staff, and friends congratulate the members of the graduating Class of 2021. “Holy Moly! Your senior year was like a Greek myth with epic challenges, and you pushed through it with grace and creativity,” said Lecturer in English and Director of National Fellowships Robert Strong. Watch them all: - 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. - Watch Live: Commencement (Times Two!)
Bates will broadcast live both Commencement ceremonies on the Historic Quad on May 27. The morning session (for senior last names A–K) begins at 9 a.m. The afternoon session (for senior last names L–Z) begins at 3 p.m. - Parents and families: Countdown to Commencement
The big day is almost here! We put together this checklist for families and loved ones to help make sure you don’t miss a thing. Celebrating Virtually? Make to tune in to the livestream, and share the link with family… - 21 frequently (and infrequently) asked questions about Bates Commencement on May 27
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
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 College Store hours during Commencement Week
The Bates College Store offers the following hours and services during Commencement Week. - Class of 2021 Families – Commencement Briefing
On May 11, the Bates Parent Team hosted a briefing for Class of 2021 families. The recording below includes comments from: President Clayton Spencer, who welcomed families and shared perspective on the Class of 2021; Vice President for Campus Life… - Commencement 2021 Map
This campus map shows locations of various resources and activities for Bates Commencement on May 27, 2021, including vehicle parking, restrooms, handicap accessibility, entrances to guest seating on the Historic Quad, boxed-meal pickup locations, and, of course, the ceremony itself.