Stories about "honorands"
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.
Bates announces 2026 Commencement honorands, including writer Deborah Harkness

Thursday, April 9, 2026 4:23 pm

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

Civil Rights leader Rep. John Lewis to deliver 2016 Commencement address, joining honorands Lisa Genova ’92, Daniel Gilbert and Robert Witt ’62

Friday, April 1, 2016 11:24 am

Often called “one of the most courageous persons the civil rights movement ever produced,” Lewis will deliver the Bates Commencement address and receive an honorary degree on Sunday, May 29.

Lectures to feature a mystery-writing mathematician and a noted inventor

Tuesday, February 25, 2014 4:17 pm

Bates presents lecturers offering insight into mathematics and medical technology on Feb. 26 and 28.

Bates pianist, MIT inventor and Harvard dean are 2011 honorary degree recipients

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 1:15 pm

An internationally renowned pianist based at Bates, a leading scholar on the…

Commencement 2007 stories, photographs and videos

Sunday, May 27, 2007 12:08 pm

"If you want to solve all the problems that we're facing in this world, it's unlikely that the people and ideas that got us to where we are will be the ones that are going to get us to a different place," Segway inventor Dean Kamen told 464 graduates at Bates College' 141st Commencement.

Maestro performs to thank college for degree

Tuesday, April 2, 1996 11:18 am

Instead of addressing the audience of about 1,000, Rostropovich, the retired music director of the National Symphony in Washington, performed the Sarabande in C Major from Bach's Suites for Unaccompanied Cello after accepting an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during Bates' annual Founders Day Convocation. His listeners responded with a standing ovation.