Live at Bates

Commencement 154

What: 154th Bates Commencement

When: Noon, Eastern Daylight Time, May 31, 2020

Where: The ceremony will be conducted remotely via livestream.

How to Watch:
Bates Web: bates.edu/commencement/live/ (via Facebook embed)
Facebook: facebook.com/batescollege

The two locations will afford the same viewer experience

The ceremony will be conducted remotely via livestream. The livestream will be public — any friends and family members will be able to watch. The complete video will be available for replay immediately afterward on Facebook and YouTube.

You can use the embedded video below to test your device’s compatibility and internet connection — if it plays OK, you’re all set. If your device isn’t compatible with Facebook, you can also try watching the livestream at livestream.com.

The Program

Order of Exercises

Opening

“My Spirit Be Joyful,” by J.S. Bach

Hathorn Bell tolls 12 times.

Welcome

A. Clayton Spencer, President

Senior Address

Alexandria Chidera Onuoha 

Commencement Greetings

Vanessa German

Celebrated for her dedication to human connection, Vanessa German is a powerful and versatile artist whose unparalleled work celebrates human connection and examines race, feminism, poverty, violence, and injustice. Her exhibition and residency at the Bates Museum of Art was a triumph of the Class of 2020’s senior year.

Presentation of Candidates for Degrees

Malcolm S. Hill, Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dean Hill, on behalf of the Bates faculty, asks the class to stand and presents the class to President Spencer for conferral of degrees.

Conferral of Degrees

President Spencer

President Spencer confers the bachelor of arts degree or bachelor of science degree. Dean Hill reads the names of all graduating seniors, in alphabetical order. Accompanying the reading of each senior’s name will be a display of their photograph, hometown, and academic major.

After the final name, President Spencer asks the members of the graduating class to move their tassels from right to left, thereby signifying the degree.

Benediction

Brittany Longsdorf, Multifaith Chaplain

At the end of the benediction, Hathorn Bell tolls for 30 seconds.

Recessional

Steel Pan Band