Commencement 2025 Schedule of Events
Please note that all events are subject to change.
Monday, May 12
Lavender CELEBRATION
5-7 p.m. in the Prescott Courtyard (Outside of the Queer Community Alliance Center)
Join the Queer Community Alliance Center in celebrating and honoring our LGBTQ+ graduates. We will gather to hear from special guests and present each graduate with a rainbow graduation tassel to wear at Commencement as well as other celebratory graduate favors.
Thursday, May 15
Interfaith GATHERing for the Graduates
Noon–1:30 p.m. in the Spiritual Life Center (Enfield 63B)
Please join us for an interfaith gathering for our graduates. We welcome graduates, their families and friends, and Hampshire community members to this reception to honor the diversity of religious and spiritual practices of our graduating class. We will offer a chance for people to speak and lunch will be served.
Mandatory Graduate Informational Meeting
3–4 p.m. in the Main Lecture Hall in Franklin Patterson Hall
All graduating students are required to attend this informational session for Commencement.
Friday, May 16
Division III Gallery Exhibit
10 a.m.–8 p.m. in the Hampshire College Art Gallery in Harold F. Johnson Library
The Division III Gallery Exhibit is a group show that features a selection of work in painting, comics, digital art, photography, installation, fabric arts, sculpture, and more, curated by a team of peers.
Division III Showcase
1–3 p.m. in Franklin Patterson Hall
Come enjoy a sampling of Division III projects presented by Hampshire's graduates. The showcase includes academic presentations, performances, film screenings, and readings. You may pick up a schedule in the Franklin Patterson Hall lobby beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday. The online schedule will be posted the week of the showcase here.
Community Bell Ringing
3:15–4 p.m. in front of Harold F. Johnson Library
Immediately following the Division III Showcase, we ask everyone to join us at the Division-Free Bell at the Harold F. Johnson Library. Learn about the history of the bell, and celebrate graduating students as they ring it to mark the successful culmination of their Hampshire education.
Community Commencement Reception
4–5:30 p.m. under the Charles and Polly Longsworth Solar Canopy
Join graduating students, friends, and families to celebrate their Commencement with drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
Saturday, May 17
Division III Gallery Exhibit
10 a.m.–8 p.m. in the Hampshire College Art Gallery in Harold F. Johnson Library
The Division III Gallery Exhibit is a group show that features a selection of work in painting, comics, digital art, photography, installation, fabric arts, sculpture, and more, curated by a team of peers.
Coffee and pastries
Kern Center: Continental Breakfast available from 9-10:30 a.m.
Kern Center Open Hours: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Please join us in the R.W. Kern Center for a light continental breakfast from 9–10:30 a.m.
Commencement Ceremony
11 a.m.–1 p.m. under the tent on the library lawn
Join us for a celebration of our 2025 graduates! Commencement will involve several community speakers and recognition of each graduate. The Commencement procession will begin at 10:45 a.m. followed by the ceremony at 11 a.m. If you're unable to join us in person, the Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube, and a full video will be posted after the event.
OPENING OF THE CEREMONY
Jim Patten, Post Office Manager
WELCOME
Jose Fuentes 05F, Chair of the Board of Trustees
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Javiera Benavente, Assistant Dean of Collaborative and Community Engaged Learning
CELEBRATORY ADDRESS
Ed Wingenbach, President
STUDENT MODERATOR
Zeynep Ceyda Yürekli 21F
STAFF TOAST
Jim Patten, Post Office Manager
FACULTY TOAST
Jina Fast, SHIFT Assistant Professor of Applied Ethics and the Common Good
STUDENT ADDRESS
Ambar Hart González 21F
Broden Alexander Livingston Grimm 21F
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
ALUMNI TOAST
Julie Schecter 71F GP22
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Ed Wingenbach, President
Gary Hawkins, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty
CLOSING OF THE CEREMONY